********************NAMIWalks*******************

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A phenomenon which we seldom see discussed is dual and multiple diagnosis among people with developmental disabilities. Mental illness is among the more common problems with which it can be paired. Another very challenging situation occurs in families in which one child has a developmental disability and another has a mental illness.

The following invitation comes from a parent who has such experience and is out there, working to help both problems!

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
May 15, 2010
NAMIWalks for the Mind of America

Seattle, WA at Magnuson Park at Sand Point
(enter at 74th St. on Sand Point Way)

Written by Cheryl Felak: 4/4/10 @ 7:43pm

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:

I have formed a team in honor of 2 organizations:
ActionDD, a grass-roots advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities. The people in ActionDD have been tireless in promoting dignity for all and a continuum of care. This includes maintaining Washington's Residential Habilitation Centers. I invite you to come and walk with me in this organization's honor.

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.

I am also walking in honor of family members, friends and caretakers of those with mental illness. 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.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or donate to support NAMI in this great event.

Visit my personal walker page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks10/SEA/cheryl (Click on link in side list or copy and paste). It features a link to my team's page where you can see who else is walking with me. 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 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.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Felak