NAMIWalks Southern Arizona

March 27, 2010 -  2805 E. Ajo Way 

 Sam Lena Park, Tucson

 CHECK-IN TIME: 7:30am ~ Opening Ceremony 8:30am

WALK START TIME:  9:00am ~  Entertainment 10:00-11:00am

• The NAMIWALKS – Changing Minds One Step at a Time, is a nationwide fundraising and mental health awareness program that is being held in more than 80 communities around the country in 2010 including right here in Tucson. It is projected that these walks will raise over 8 million dollars in 2010 for NAMI and the educational, support and advocacy programs it provides totally free of charge to thousands of families across the country.  The 2009 Southern Arizona Walk raised almost $178,000 and hosted approximately 3000 participants. This year the crowd is expected to be well over 3500 participants.
• There is no walker registration fee.  All participants are encouraged to collect donations from family members, friends, co-workers and business associates.
• All the funds collected by Walkers will be used to fund NAMI’s programs in Southern Arizona that include support, education, research and advocacy involving schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders. 

All walkers raising $100 or more with receive a NAMIWALKS event T-shirt. 

• Companies, organizations and families are encouraged to organize teams of walkers made up of employees, organization members, relatives and friends to take part in the Walk. 

 NAMIWALKS – Changing Minds One Step at a Time is a rain or shine event.

For more information please call  NAMI Southern Arizona 520-622-5582 or

 NAMI Southeastern Arizona – Sierra Vista    1-800-380-2322  or

www.nami.org/namiwalks/AZ/Tucson

Every year as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week the first part of October The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona  sponsors the Annual Daniel Moreno Recovery Award.  This year marks the third anniversary for the event.  Daniel Moreno was living with schizophrenia before his tragic passing in December of 2005 and his family has established this recognition event in his memory.  The Recovery Awards will recognize individuals that exemplify the current reality of recovery for those who have lived with serious mental illness. 

 According to the President’s New Freedom Commission Report, the word “recovery” refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.  For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability.  For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms.  The Recovery Award Event provides positive recognition of a person’s struggle, progress and of the courage needed to overcome often overwhelming adversity and stresses. Publicity surrounding the event has assisted in building awareness about brain disorders and encourages anti-stigma.

 If you know someone who fits the criteria you are encouraged to nominate the individual(s) who has courageously faced their illness and recovered.  The Award will be presented at a Reception and Silent Auction on October 2nd, 2009 at the Skyline Country Club. Tickets for the dinner event can be purchased in advance for $50.00.

 To R.S.V.P. for the event or for a Nomination Form call the office at 520 622-5582 or visit the website at www.namisa.org and submit to NAMI of Southern Arizona by September 15, 2009.  A short narrative (not to exceed 500 words) should be attached describing how the nominee(s) meets the criteria above. Points to consider include obstacles overcome, age of onset and duration, degree of improvement, ability to advocate for ones self and others as well as ability to speak publicly about his/her journey. In addition, please ask your nominee to describe in 250 words or less their recovery journey. Submit by mail, email or fax to NAMI Southern Arizona.

 The Moreno Family will make the selection by September 25th at which time the Nominators and Award Recipients will be notified.  If a nominee is not selected, please consider resubmission next year.

You could possibly have a walk on role on the FX network’s legal thriller “Damages” by being the highest bidder for an on-line auction! You must be 18 years older to bid and the role is donated by superstar Glenn Close, who is a passionate supporter of creating awareness about mental illness.  All proceeds will benefit NAMI Maine, Ms. Closes’ home state. For more infomation to bid, visit the website at:https://auction01.charitybuzz.com/secure/viewItemDetail.do?auction_item_id=610001

Bid today in the online auction for a walk-on role on FX Network’s legal thriller Damages.

The bid is already hovering around $2000 (out of my budget), but the value is supposed to be $5000!  Could be fun if you have some extra cash and need a tax deduction!

More and more, celebrities are “coming out” and openly discussing their experiences with brain disorders.  Joey Pantaliano, who lives with chronic depression,  is advocating for the removal of stigma and has founded a charitable organization called No Kidding?!! Me, Too!  Their mission is “ to remove the stigma attached to brain dis-ease through education and the breaking down of societal barriers. Our goal is to empower those with brain dis-ease to admit their illness, seek treatment, and become even greater members of society.
The Goal:
Make Brain Dis-ease cool and sexy.  We want a normal conversation in America to be:

   ”I have bipolar disorder/schizophrenia/insert dis-ease”

   ”No Kidding, Me Too!”

Vist the website at: http://nkm2.org/about-us/

I think the idea of using “dis – ease” when talking about brain disorders is really clever and, who knows…..maybe it’ll catch on!