A Mental Health Discussion at M.U.C.S.
BREAKING FREE OF ISOLATION
An Evening Discussion with
Mike Santoro from www.mikesstory.com
and
Sylvia Smith from AMI-Quebec

The Montreal Urban Community Sustainment Project is dedicated to fighting oppression in all its forms. We are proud to break the bonds of isolation surrounding mental health and subjects falsely considered as taboos to society. As such we hope to engage in a lively and supportive discussion with Mike Santoro and Sylvia Smith. There experiences and knowledge will help initiate conversation around mental health and the many channels of managing it. The discussion will bring to light challenges and experiences faced by individuals living with a mental illness as well as anyone interested in being apart of such an enriching conversation. It is our hope that through dialogue and the sharing of ideas, we can empower each other by offering support. The Montreal Urban Community Sustainment Project is honored by Mike and Sylvia’s presence at their evening discussion and we welcome everyone to attend. The event has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday August 27th, 2008 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Guests are encouraged to stay for dinner and enjoy a vegan meal prepared in our dining coop (a small donation for the meal would be greatly appreciated). For more information please email us at naira@muc.ca or give us a call at 514-312-7074.

Nairra Tariq

I love playing with my Daddy. I like when we play Junior Monopoly together because I love my Daddy. I also like playing “Hello Hello”. This is a game my Daddy made up to play after I was born. There are 2 people or kids that can play. You shine 2 flashlights at the ceiling and one light has to follow the other light or they can play “Hiding Go Seek Hello Hello”.

I also like playing Sardines with Daddy. This is a fish memory game because there are sardine cards to play. I think my Daddy is special because I love my Daddy. I also like pranking my Daddy. I love when we watch Prank Patrol together.

Chelsie Santoro
5 years old

Hello everyone,

It is very easy for me to talk about mental illness. Often I will provoke a discussion in order to address the issues. We must talk about it as much as we can in order to demystify the taboos.

I am Mike's sister and have been his number one fan and supporter since day one of his diagnosis. I am extremely vocal about defending the rights of people with mental illness and breaking down the stereotypes that surround them.

PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ARE MUCH MORE THAN THEIR ILLNESS. The road to recovery is better traveled in great numbers.

To all, have a great day!!!
Carmy Santoro