"A REASON TO HOPE - A MEANS TO COPE"

I was very pleased with the recent presentation of Mike's Story at the Lac Brome Community Center. There were about 75 people who came to hear him. Instead of an ordinary guy like Mike, I had been looking for a 'big name' to come and do a presentation for a long time. After doing some research I realized that having a celebrity come to Knowlton would be far too expensive, so I had pretty much given up the idea - but I couldn't let it go completely.

I had already heard about Mike Santoro but didn't know if he did presentations so I phoned him at AMI-Quebec where he worked, and asked him. When he answered "Yes", I told him I was looking for a real person with a real mental illness. I had no idea how Mike would react to this kind of request, but his response was "That's me!"

That first conversation led to many more emails and phone calls. We were becoming friends even before we actually met. I met Mike for the first time the morning of the presentation and it was like we were already fast friends. Mike and I realized that we were on the same page, working for the same cause. We had already both discovered that with effort, discipline, perseverance and taking responsibility anyone with a mental illness can have a good life - "A REASON TO HOPE. THE MEANS TO COPE."

So the date was set for Mike to come to present his 80/20 Project, the Community Center was booked and posters were made - but I had no idea yet how to pay for everything. My new philosophy was becoming "You don't ask, you don't know", and so I started asking. The first person I approached was a friend who was a partner in his own business. He was very happy to donate towards our event! He said that he gave to various charities, but he seldom knew how the money was being spent or if it was going where it was intended. It made him happy to give to something local and to know what the money was going to be used for.

This gave me the courage I needed to write letters requesting donations from some local organizations. I was overwhelmed, and still am, by the responses I received. One organization wrote, "Even if mental health is not our mission, the board of directors decided to make a donation because we find what Connections For Mental Health Inc. is doing is important, and somehow even touches our children." This was exciting!

Since the presentation I have received some very encouraging emails and phone calls:
"Mike was really interesting. You had a very good idea to do this!!!"

"You're to be congratulated for all of the work that you have put into the organizing of the day and your commitment to your cause."

"It was a wonderful afternoon in so many ways!! Congratulations!"

"It was a fabulous event and you should be very proud of your contribution to the local community and to the larger community of mental health development. I am pleased to have been included."

"Congratulations on a successful event and all the hard work you put into it. Mike's a very interesting fellow, and easy to admire, and I thank you for inviting me to the presentation, and wonderful refreshments."

"Hard work. Mike did a fabulous job and really hit home with the different issues. I found his message very inspiring. Standing up like he did in front of all those people can make you very vulnerable and I admire his courage for doing that. I wish him well."

"Everything went well, you should be proud."

These last two comments are from people I emailed invitations to, but couldn't come:

"I see that you are still working hard for a good cause, don't give up . . . "

"I heard your event read out today on CBC radio at 12:30 community announcements. Well done, on your hard work putting it together."

This event wouldn't have been possible without everyone's support. I thank everyone who helped to organize and those that came that day to help. A big thank you to all of you who came and also to Townshippers Association for their stamp of approval on this event, and to CIDI 99.1 radio for offering to tape the presentation, which they will air at a later date.

We were very happy to have the following community groups Prevention Suicide, Oasis Mental Health and Pavilion Foster in attendance presenting their services and distributed information pamphlets in English.

We are already planning something for the fall, watch the papers. Connections for Mental Health in Lac Brome is a community group that advocates and provides support for the population of Brome Missisquoi.

Be sure to check out Mike's web site at: www.MikesStory.com. You can also buy The 80/20 Project DVD directly through Mike's web site or from Linda Ransom at pleasantvalley@sympatico.ca or 450-243-0928.

Linda Ransom