News Release…For Immediate Release

Connections For Mental Health

A Reason to Hope - The Means to Cope

People with mental illness are people first and foremost. They to have dreams and hopes just like everyone else. Mental illness does not change who they are, just their ability to express it.

Living with a severe and persistent mental illness is a difficult thing to manage on a daily basis. Diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder for more than 20 years now, Mike has shown the way to others by surmounting many difficulties and by fulfilling one of his dreams of helping others with a mental illness.

He values his life and his work by serving as an example to others and his focus is always on never giving up. With the help of his family and friends, Mike has recently completed The 80/20 Project (80% hard work and 20% medication) a DVD about “Mike’s Story”. An educational DVD about some of Mike’s personal coping skills that have helped him to come to the place where he is today.

Hopefully, you will come out and meet Mike Santoro and to hear him in person. This wonderful, heartwarming, and very encouraging story of how Mike has come to terms with his own illness, and has turned it around for something positive.

Mike’s presentation is one to give hope and encouragement and some very important tools for those who suffer from mental illness and also some tips for caregivers. Mike will also be available after the presentation to share his insights and answer questions.

The 80/20 Project DVD will be on sale at the presentation.

Feel free to check out the web site www.MikesStory.com

Mike will be presenting his inspirational life story at the Lac Brome Community Center, 270 Victoria Street, Knowlton, Quebec J0E 1V0 on Saturday May 31, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Mike’s philosophy is, “Giving up; isn’t an option.”

Source: Linda Ransom-Connections for mental health
Knowlton-450-243-0928 pleasantvalley@sympatico.ca

The following is a card I received the night of The Official Launch of The 80/20 Project DVD...

Dear Mike,

It has been really neat getting to know you better through AMI-Quebec. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute in a small way to your website. Your willingness too share your story will continue to inspire me as well. I have come to discover the person inside me that does not live in a box or with a label. This is a journey that many do not make and one that most “non-consumers” can’t appreciate. But it’s a gift that recovery gives us and the difference is that we enrich everyone by offering our gift openly.

With many great wishes for a life full of re-discovery and joy!

Sincerely,
Sylvia Smith
January 23, 2008

Hi Everyone,

After a lot of hard work it is finally here!!!

Daniel Gervais and I am very excited to invite you to the official launch of The 80/20 Project Educational DVD, which will be held on Wednesday January 23, 2008 at 6:00 pm till about 9:00 pm at Centre St-Pierre de Montreal, 1212 Panet Street, Montreal, Quebec, H2L 2Y7. Walking distance from Metro Beaudry and parking available next to building for a reasonable cost.

That night, you will be the first to see the official trailer of The 80/20 Project Educational DVD, bloopers, some chapters from The 80/20 Project DVD and several other surprises await you. You will also have the opportunity to meet the actors who took part in the making of this DVD and have a chance to ask any question you may have.

That night, individuals will be able to purchase The 80/20 Project DVD at the Special Launch Price of $24.95 plus applicable taxes. Cash or cheques accepted. (Institution price: $295.00 plus applicable taxes).

We will be honored to have you among us. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me no later than Friday January 11 by using the “Contact Us” button on the left of this page. Please indicate the names of the people coming and their e-mail address.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Santoro
www.MikesStory.com