I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in Denver, CO at Chessman Park on May 16, 2009.
As most of you know my youngest brother Quincy, has been battling his own mental illness for the last 7 years. Quincy has been in and out of hospitals (private and public), involved with the court system, and even homeless at times. I have learned from this experience that there is a need to raise awareness for mental illness in this country. Quincy deserves equal treatment and humane, quality care for his illness. I have decided to form a team, 'Carecrows, and walk in honor of Quincy.
I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks09/DCO/sheilah. It features a link to my team's page where you can see who else is walking with me or sign up to be a walker with my team (and get a T-Shirt to walk in)! There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental 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 their mission.
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.Thank you in advance for your support and please forward this on to anyone you think would be interested in participating.
Many Thanks,
Sheilah Crough Martinez
Quincy Crough, with his now 3 year old Koby
3 comments:
Sheilah, What a great effort to find some "HELP" for not only your brother, but the multitude of others. My check is on your way. Love, A. Barbara
Sheilah, what a great way to put your energy toward an illness that leaves families feeling helpless much of the time. I think its great there is a walk for this and an organization to help create awareness. Its needed.
Love you, Aunt Lisa
Wish i could be with you to walk. Molly graduates that weekend. I will sign up on your page and continue to send many prayers Quincy's way.
Love,
Aunt Sheryl
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