An "Ending the Silence" Thank-you

That We Really Need to Share

Since 2007, NAMI DuPage's Brenda Hilligoss and Aileen Caravelli have developed and led the NAMI DuPage signature program for high schools called "Ending the Silence."  After a recent presentation to a DuPage-area high school's freshman class, they received a heartwarming thank-you from a very aware and thoughtful 14 year-old student, with excerpts below:

"You did an amazing job... your speech really made me consider how dangerous these illnesses can be, and how vital it is to be educated on the common symptoms. I can now help someone in need, whether they know they are experiencing a mental illness or not. I could possibly help save an innocent person's life, and that makes me exceedingly happy.

"I applaud you and have very much respect for you for sharing your story about your son. My cousin is also diagnosed with manic 'bipolar' depression and I know how difficult it is for her to share her problems with others. I think you are a very brave and remarkable speaker for coming out and educating us on your son and the mental illness he dealt with.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your day to educate us. You were a great speaker, and everything you taught will stick with me for the rest of my high school career."

This student's thank-you extends to every NAMI DuPage supporter! It is because of your generous donations that thousands of DuPage-area high school freshman and sophomores experience "Ending the Silence" every year, and now the program is being introduced in middle schools as well!

NAMI DuPage Annual Appeal

A Reminder

This time of year, you are likely inundated with appeals for donations from many worthy charities, NAMI DuPage and our state and national affiliates among them.

We know that, as strong as your charitable inclinations are, you can only do so much, and you have to carefully weigh your choices.

The Annual Appeal from NAMI DuPage will be mailed in the next few weeks, and we hope you will keep us in mind in the meantime.

As you probably know, donations you make to NAMI DuPage go to support our local initiatives in and around DuPage county, such as education and support activities, program development and training efforts, our advocacy with local government, and our printed materials. "What you give here benefits people who live here!"

Donations to NAMI Illinois (state-level) and NAMI (national level) help to support the development of programs they offer to local affiliates, as well as research and advocacy with government and regulatory authorities at the state and national level.

Any gift you make to NAMI, at whatever level, is greatly appreciated.  NAMI DuPage will be aware of, and able to recognize, only those donations sent to NAMI DuPage.