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, Allen 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 Allen 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

To my dear son Mike,

As your mother and after all that we have been through, I could hardly believe the success you have created and all you have achieved in your life that it seems like a dream to me. You have a beautiful 5 year old daughter who is so full of spunk that when she speaks she sometimes sounds like an adult. When I look at her you can’t imagine how happy I am.

I could hardly believe that after all you have been through that you would one day arrive at this point. You have a wonderful wife who loves you. Your daughter Chelsie is like a beautiful flower and may God bless her always. You own your own home and you are living a “normal” life like other friends of yours.

With all that the whole family has been through I would have never imagined that you could arrive at this point. We all hope that with the grace of God you will continue to do well, as you are now, with us family members and with your own family.

May God bless you in every step that you take. This is what I wish for you as your mother.

Unconditional Love Always
Your Mother,
Margherita

(This letter was translated from Italian to English by Carmy Santoro)

Shanda Davis, Executive Director of the BCIFF Film Festival and Daniel Gervais of Midacom.

In the last few months, The 80/20 Project has benefited from a few awards worth to be mentioned. First of all, the film was selected to participate in the Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival in Houston Texas, in the Documentary category in competition with many others films from around the world. Daniel Gervais, the film Director was present at the festival that was held from August 7th through the 9th and came back very satisfied with the results. Over 150 films were shown in a variety of categories. The 80/20 project received an Honorable Mention on Mike Santoro’s original standpoint in the way he deals with his mental illness. For more information you can visit the festival’s site at www.bciff.com

Secondly, in June 2008 the film was awarded a prestigious Honorable Mention award from The Accolade Film Awards in La Jolla, California which recognized Mike’s unique vision on living and coping with a severe mental illness. In winning this award, The 80/20 Project joins the rank of other high-profile winners and receives the recognition it deserves. For more information you can visit the festival’s site at www.accoladecompetition.org/film

When we first started this project, our expectations were high and numerous. Mike wanted to fulfill his dream of talking to large audiences and give hope to people living with a severe mental illness. In every film festival that we participate, Mike’s vision and unique way in dealing with his illness keeps popping out. We must say that our goals are being fulfilled one by one. All it takes is perseverance and dedication and of course, never giving up.

For more information on Mike’s Story, please visit www.MikesStory.com

Productions Midacom Inc.