Sunday, October 18, 2009 was the beginning of a new annual tradition in Montreal. Over 600 people gathered at park Pierre Elliot Trudeau, in Cote St. Luc, for a 3 or 5 km walk. The sunshine followed us all day. What a magnificent day! It was a great success since organizers were expecting from 200 to 300 people. All of us there were touched by mental illness in one way or another and we wanted to talk about it. We also want to invite everyone to come out to help find ways to better live with the diagnosis.

The spokesperson for this event was none other than Margaret Trudeau, former first lady of Canada, who herself is touched by mental illness being diagnosed with bipolar. Her testimony moved and inspired us all. When someone like Margaret Trudeau lends herself to this cause it gives hope to people living with mental illness. She helps sets the stage for people to talk about mental illness in order to better understand them. We need to educate people if we want to demystify mental illness.

I am proud to have been a part of this event and I hope to see you all this year on Sunday October 24, 2010.

Have a great day!
Carmy Santoro