Over the past couple of decades my family and I have persevered through the trials and tribulations of an extremely pervasive, yet most often misunderstood illness that has besieged mankind over the ages – Mental Illness. My father, brother, and I have persisted through the dark, desolate, debilitating depths of major depression, while my sister braves on through the tormenting ravages of schizophrenia.

We have each struggled through a disease that eroded our will to live and distorted our cognition, compelling us to take our lives. We have each persisted through the prevalent societal stigma and pervasive misunderstandings about mental illness.

Together, we have endured through multiple hospitalizations, a slew of medications, ECTs (Electro Convulsive Therapy), endless hours of therapy, and significant life style changes. And, each of us has ultimately triumphed in coping with our illness. Over the years, we have evolved into highly functional, contributing members of our families and communities. However, without the unflinching faith and undying love of our mother, our spouses and children, adequate medical care, and a lifetime’s commitment to cope with our respective mental illness, our lives could have been greatly compromised.

It is through Education that we have been endowed with empowerment, through Advocacy that we have actualized advancement, and through Support that we have secured the sustenance required to overcome the challenges of living with mental illness.

Through our journeys and triumph in overcoming mental illness was born an undeterred resolve that each of us in our family would strive to be a “Guiding Light” to dispel the darkness that shrouds mental illness.

While my family and I rejoice in our recovery, we are painfully aware of the persistent stigma toward mental illness, the inadequacies of the mental health system, discriminatory public policies, and the resultant hopelessness that entraps people with mental illness, and endangers their lives.

In May 2004, thousands of concerned citizens will march together in communities across Pennsylvania and America to raise money and awareness about our country’s need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. Please visit http://namipa.nami.org and www.nami.org to experience the revolution!

On May 22, 2004, my sister and I will be joining thousands of walkers in Harrisburg, PA in the First Annual NAMI WALKS PA 2004 for the Mind of America. We invite you to be a “Guiding Light” and walk with us, sponsor us, or better yet recruit your own team of walkers! The goal for my sister and I is to raise $5,000, and it is our privilege to inform you that we are well on our way with having already raised $2,000. Attached is the information pertaining to the Walk.

Your generous contributions are tax deductible. NAMI PA is a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please make donations payable to NAMI WALKS PA 2004, and mail it before April 30th, 2004, in the self-addressed envelope included to:
NAMI-Oregon
2620 Greenway Drive NE
Salem, OR 97301

Thank you for your kind support.

Gayathri Ramprasad.