NAMIWalk 2011!
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am very proud to be participating in again this year. As many of you may remember every year I organize a walk team to participate in NAMI’s charity walk. NAMI (The National Alliance on Mentally Illness), is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.
The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue providing free education programs, support groups, national information helpline, and advocating for those with mental illness.
Many of you may already know my personal story of why I’m involved with NAMI but for those who don’t I’ll tell you a little bit about myself and my struggles. In 1999, at the age of 19 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. My family had some really tough years before I was diagnosed. They knew there was something not right with me but didn’t knowing what it was, where to go, or what to do to help me. I was spiraling downward fast and had no way of knowing that there was help or that life could be different, a life without all the chaos and cluttered thoughts. I do this walk every year to support NAMI because they are the people to turn to. They are there for people going through what I went through. They are there for the families like mine who felt they had nowhere to turn, felt hopeless, and like they were alone in the struggle.
I would like to ask you to help me support NAMI by donate to this great organization. To do so you can visit my personal walker to donate. It features a link to my team's page where you can join our team or just see who else will be walking with me. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.
NAMI’s signature walkathon is being held in The Band Shell At Fair Park in Dallas , Texas on May 7, 2011 @ 8:30 am.
NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A+" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars. NAMI has also been given 4 out of 4 stars by The Charity Navigator for short-term spending practices and long-term sustainability.
Thank you in advance for your support,
Jen
4 comments:
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity!! And a SUPER CONGRATS on achieving your fundraising goal!!!
I'm truly sorry that you had to struggle in silence with this disorder for so many years. (My struggle with depression also began around age 19.) All I have to say is thank God for the diagnosis. It can be so frustrating when you're going through something that you can't fully describe or really define clearly to others. Those who don't take the time out to understand your circumstances often think that you're just "making it up" or "being difficult" and this just adds to the exasperation and isolation that you already feel. And it really hurts when family members accuse you of such things. Then there's the self doubt and insecurity which inevitably flood in. I could go on, but I know you relate, so I won't. I'll simply end by saying CONGRATULATIONS!
Not like yours, but my 15yr. old he has IMH; Intellectually Mentally Handicapped. Just means, he is a little slower than everybody, and doesn't understand a lot of stuff. It has been a difficult road for us and him, but we have adapted.
What a great thing to be part of! Keep making the world a better place. I thought it was about time I stopped by and saw what you are up to. I am glad that I did!
Hi. How are you? I am missing you out here in the blog world.
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