POWER OF GIVING

RAISING A GIVING CHILD

YOUR NEW FUNDRAISING PARTNER

OPERATION COMFORT ME

BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEERS

Jack is like many other 13-year-old boys.  He is a great student, has tons of friends, loves listening to music and is very athletic, especially in basketball.  Basketball has given Jack a passion and purpose.  He lives, breathes, eats basketball - from attending NBA games to playing on his undefeated basketball team.  His dream is to someday play in the NBA.

Jack's biggest obstacles to achieving his goals are Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety.  Please read his story and consider giving to NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness. (For more information, please visit namierie.org.)

Warming Up:  Jack's Story

Jack displayed mood swings for many years.  Sometimes he was shy, quiet and anxious.  Other times he was very friendly, energetic, and confident.  At age 8 he began having intense emotional meltdowns.  He was diagnosed with anxiety and underwent therapy.

As time went on, Jack continued to have meltdowns and sometimes experienced periods of intense sadness and unexplained crying bouts.  In the fall of 2009, when Jack was in middle school, he became very depressed.  He was prescribed an anti-depressant, which triggered a severe manic episode.  He was then diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

Jack's treatment includes a combination of medications, therapy, routine, and lifestyle choices (avoiding drugs, alcohol, smoking and even caffeine).  He has an IEP at school that includes emotional support.

Game On:  Jack vs. Bipolar & Anxiety Disorders

Bipolar Disorder is an illness involving extreme fluctuations in mood, usually from the highest of highs - mania, to the lowest of lows - depression.  The onset of bipolar disorder can come at any age, but when it occurs during adolescence, it presents some unusual difficulties. 

Children with bipolar disorder are generally more volatile in their mood swings than their adult-onset counterparts.  Adults with bipolar disorder may spend weeks or months in one mood phase before switching to another; they also experience periods of wellness in between.  However, children with bipolar disorder experience very few periods of wellness, and their moods swing rapidly between extremes.  They are more likely to experience chronic irritability than the "high" feelings of euphoria that accompany mania.  Children spend more time in a "mixed" state, meaning they are experiencing both mania and depression at the same time. 

Common Signs & Symptoms of a Manic Episode

• Excessively "high", euphoric mood 

• Extreme irritability

• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers, such as feeling able to control world events

• Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired

• Racing thoughts or fast speech

• Distractibility or difficulty concentrating

• Agitation

• Spending sprees 

Common Signs & Symptoms of a Depressed Episode

• Feeling very "down" or sad

• Feeling worried and empty

• Having trouble concentrating

• Forgetting things a lot

• Losing interest in fun activities and becoming less active

• Having trouble sleeping

• Thinking about death or suicide

Social Anxiety Disorder  

People with social anxiety disorder are extremely anxious about what they will say or do in front of other people.  This includes public speaking and day-to-day social situations.  But it is more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking.  People with this problem may worry days or weeks before an event.  Some people may fear that something bad will happen or they will be judged or humiliated.

Too often when we hear Bipolar Disorder, We think of Charlie Sheen or the Pizza Bomber.  We don't think of Jane Pauley, Catherine Zeta Jones, or Jack Halli.  So let's set the record straight...

AIRBALL:  People with mental illness are crazy and violent.

2 POINTS: Actually, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent than anyone else.  People with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of crime.

FOUL:  Mental illness is a sign of weakness.

2 POINTS:  A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness - nor can it be cured by positive thinking or willpower - proper treatment is needed.

AIRBALL:  People with a mental illness will never get better.

2 POINTS:  For some people., a mental illness may be a lifelong condition, like diabetes.  But like heart disease or diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with a mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

AIRBALL:  Children don't suffer from mental illness.

3 POINTS:  Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.  As a matter of fact, 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness.  Getting treatment is essential.

FOUL:  "Mental illness can't affect me!"

SLAMDUNK:  Mental illness can affect anyone.  While some illnesses have a genetic risk, mental illness can affect people of all ages, races and income levels, whether or not there is a family history. 

Help Jack by supporting NAMI through Celebration Donation and attending Buffalo Wild Wings in Erie, PA to watch the NBA finals on June 5, 2011.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  They have established themselves as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country.  Through support, education, advocacy and research, NAMI helps educate America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority.  Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families.  No one is to blame.  Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment.  NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.

The party at Buffalo Wild Wings will be held June 5th to watch the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks battle it out in the NBA Finals.  We are asking all our friends to join us.  Jack will be decked out in Mavs gear eating dozen of traditional wings and drinking milk by the bucket.  BWW will donate a percentage of their proceeds to NAMI.  You can stop in anytime or order takeout.  Just be sure to mention the NBA/NAMI fundraiser!

 Plus, one lucky player will receive a basket full of basketball goodies and two other players will receive hair products donated by Salon H20!  All you have to do is donate to NAMI online though Celebration Donation.   

You too, can make a difference.  Please consider being part of this group-giving effort.  Your generous contribution to NAMI is essential in helping raise awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.  Every donation, no matter how big or small, really matters.

Celebration Donation has been created with you in mind, for individuals that want to make a difference - and share the gift of giving with family and friends.  Celebration Donation is a convenient online nonprofit that combines giving and celebrating, offering an exciting way to be social and socially responsible. 

It's easy to do.  Through Celebration Donation, you will be able to make a donation to The NAMI by sending a Celebration Donation eCard to someone special.