On Friday September 19th 2008 was the first time I assisted a complete presentation of The 80/20 Project. It took place at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Allan Memorial Institute, and by video conference at the Montreal General Hospital. It was quite something to see some doctors and nurses who worked with Mike over the years, sitting in the audience and listening attentively to every word that Mike had to say. Mike started by saying that it was the first time he had come there to see so many professionals and not have come in through the emergency doors. That statement brought some giggles from the audience and some memories that I hadn’t thought of for many years.

Mike’s Story and The 80/20 Project are really based on Mike’s experience as a person with a mental illness in the system for over 25 years. The principal message to the professionals in the audience both at the Allan Memorial Institute and the Montreal General Hospital was to treat people living with a mental illness with dignity and respect. Mike told everyone to just listen to them and try to consider their wishes when working with them. What professionals learn in school combined with someone like Mike who has been on the receiving end of the services makes for a great combination to improve all services offered to people with mental illness. The main message of the 80/20 project is that 20% is the right medication (an essential foundation to recovery). However 80% is the rest of the elements that make up our lives and how we choose to manage them. People living with a mental illness ARE WHOLE PEOPLE and should be treated as such. A lot of what Mike talks about in the 80/20 project does not only apply to people with mental illness but also to anyone who wants to improve the quality of their lives. Let us never forget that 1 in 5 Canadians will be touched by mental illness in their lifetime.

As for myself, I have always believed that Mike had the potential to achieve all his goals with a lot of hard work, perseverance and never giving up. On Friday September 19th, as I watched Mike doing his presentation, I couldn’t help feeling proud to be Mike’s sister. Proud to think that at times in the past there didn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel and now he was educating the same professionals who helped him. I am also thankful for having traveled Mike’s journey with him because today I am a better person for it. My knowledge of mental illness is a great help in my personal life. Mike has become part of my support team in times of personal turmoil. Thank you bro for your unconditional support and contribution both personally and on behalf of the whole community. You have become an inspiration to me and many others you have met and will meet along your path of life. Heroes come from all walks of life. Way to go bro!!!!

Continued Success with The 80/20 Project.
Keep Up Your Great Work!
Keep on Fulfilling Your Dreams!!

Unconditional Love Always
Your Proud Sis
Carmy Santoro