AIM Center fundraiser brings journalist Jane Pauley to The Chattanoogan in May

April 05--Award-winning journalist Jane Pauley will be the featured guest at the AIM Center's 25th anniversary celebration/fundraiser, "Creativity and Courage in Mental Health," on Thursday, May 7, at The Chattanoogan.

Pauley, a contributing correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning" and a former "Today" show co-host, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001.

At the event, Pauley will "tell her story of living with bipolar disorder and the importance of removing the stigma of having a mental illness," says Emily McKay, AIM Center development director. "Ms. Pauley has been very open and honest about her bipolar disorder diagnosis, as well as how she has moved forward with her professional and personal life."

In her best-selling 2004 memoir, "Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue," Pauley tells about going public with her diagnosis despite her doctor's concern that it would be detrimental to her career. Since then, says a news release, Pauley has been committed "to moving the narrative on mental illness away from stigma, with the goal of 'normalizing' how the public talks about mental health issues."

Pauley's professionalism, openness about her mental illness and advocacy on behalf of those with mental illness made her the perfect choice to be a part of the anniversary celebration, McKay says.

"She has an inspiring story to tell, and our committee thought it was important for Chattanooga to hear it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and her inspiring story is one of hope and recovery for those who live with mental illness, as well as for their family and friends," McKay says.

Local author and television host Alison Lebovitz will join Pauley onstage for a question-and-answer segment following a reception and dinner in The Chattanoogan ballroom.

"The AIM Center gives hope and meaning to the lives of the members who suffer mental illness," says Carla Donina, a board member who is chairing the event with her husband, Jerry Mitchell. "Because of the accessibility of our new facilities (on M.L. King Boulevard), the number of members has grown, but so has the AIM waiting list. There are currently 200-plus waiting to become a member of the center. Currently one-third of our membership is uncompensated, and we do not have the resources we need to help everyone who needs us."

It is the goal of the event to not only raise money for the center but to make the public aware of the service it offers, Donina says.

"We are all touched by mental illness in our lives. Who better to bring to Chattanooga and lessen the stigma than Jane Pauley, who is well known, successful and diagnosed with bipolar? Ms. Pauley is truly creative in her journalist career and has the courage to speak about normalizing the mentally ill."

According to McKay, the AIM Center, over the last 25 years, has helped more than 3,000 adults with mental illness achieve productive and meaningful lives. AIM stands for achievement, inspiration, motivation.

Table sponsorships are still available for the event. For information, call McKay at 423-702-8019.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.

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