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Art auction in Campbelltown to benefit mental health cause

Lebanon Daily News (PA) - 3/27/2014

March 27--HERSHEY -- As a senior at Palmyra Area High School, Mark Kaylor seemed happy. But underneath his happiness and humor, he suffered from depression.

On Dec. 18, 2013, he took his own life.

In their sorrow, his sister, Megan Kaylor, and Mark's friend and classmate, Margaret Jugon, hope to help others suffering from depression.

The two women have formed an organization called Make a Mark for Mark. The group's first event is a student art auction from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Campbelltown Volunteer fire hall, Route 322. The goal of the organization is to educate others about depression and suicide.

"We're trying to raise money so that we can host some other events," Kaylor said. "We're going to have a mental health fair in May on what would have been Mark's 18th birthday."

The May event will feature 10 organizations and speakers that will provide information on available services for those suffering from depression or other mental health issues.

"He was always an outgoing person, fun and bubbly," Jugon said. "When I heard (that he died), it affected me, and I knew I had to do something about it."

At a vigil following Mark's death, Megan and Jugon decided to form an organization to raise awareness of the issues.

Jugon acknowledged that she, too, has suffered from bouts of depression, so "it's something that hits home, especially when I see other students who are going through the same thing but they're afraid to say anything or to talk to anyone or to get help."

"It's important to get the word out that it's OK to talk about," she said. "This is something that affects all of us that needs to be addressed."

Kaylor said they chose to do an art auction because, among his many talents, her brother was an artist. Art also has been a way she has overcome her own depression, she added.

"Art has always been a way for me to channel emotion," she said. "Other people have said the same thing to me -- that art is a way to express how you're feeling."

Mark also had a plan to further his artistic talent, his sister recalled.

"He had always talked, when he was younger, about becoming an architect because he really liked to build things," Kaylor said. "He had a note posted at his desk that said one of his goals was 'Become an architect.'"

Jugon said there are always signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, even though people try to mask it.

"They pretend that it's OK, but no matter how hard you try, there's always going to be some inkling," Jugon said. "Signs could be that the person is not sleeping enough, not eating enough, withdrawing socially from friends or family, giving away personal belongings, spending more time alone."

Kaylor said other signs include reckless behavior or increased substance abuse.

"Everyone always said to us, 'Mark is so happy, Mark is so funny,' 'He always made me laugh.' They had no idea that he was upset," Kaylor said. "Even as his sister, I didn't pick up on the fact that he was upset."

Often, people are afraid to speak about depression because mental health issues are stigmatized and taboo.

"That's really our focus, to get it out in the open and let people know if they see any sign of depression they need to address it and follow through with it," Kaylor said.

Jugon said they have received a lot of art work for the auction.

"We've had people calling us and emailing us," she said. "We have art from many people, from sculptures, paintings, photography and sketches. There's so much stuff."

"And my family is contributing art. My mother is making a mosaic," Kaylor added, noting her own work also will be up for auction.

"A lot of people have reached out to us when they found out about it. They want to be a part of it," Jugon said.

For more information about the auction, the mental health fair or the group, visit the website at makeamarkformark.org or visit the Facebook page at makeamarkformark.org.

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(c)2014 the Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon, Pa.)

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