2006 Mississippi to Lake Michigan Run to reduce Stigma

Jon wanted to be happy. By fifteen he knew people treated him differently because of his autism. The loneliness and stigma of always being “on the outside looking in” had all become too much. His depression worsened. His undeveloped social skills left him trying to make connections for lunch, the football game, or any activity with a friend, or just to have a friend. But no one ever asks. The phone never rings for him. Jon feels lonely, defeated, depressed and ashamed of how he feels. It doesn’t have to be. Stigma is a contributing factor in his life.

Jane wanted to be happy. She had beaten a deadly disease and was admired by so many for her courage. But Jane never faced the trauma she experienced from thinking she would die. Her depression worsened. Her eating became sporadic. She was “out in the open” beating a disease but now hides with her fears. She feels lonely, defeated, depressed and ashamed of how she feels. It doesn’t have to be. Stigma is a contributing factor in her life.Grace wanted to be happy. The loss of her spouse of 63 years, frail health and loss of hearing had all become too much. Her depression worsened. Her hearing problems left her isolated and alone. Esther died lonely, defeated, depressed and ashamed of how she felt. It didn’t have to be. Stigma was a contributing factor in her death.Stigma effects how people live and die every day. It is the wall that many never scale. A silent deterrent to hope…a cancer that silently grows until it chokes off everything else.

This May 25-28th a small group of committed people will run from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan (190+ miles in 4 days) to raise awareness to stigma reduction. Runners or walkers are welcome to join on the Hennepin and Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail portions of the run/walk. Donations may be made to the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley.

25th to 28th May 2006

http://www.runstoreducestigma.com/reduce_stigma.html