Cover story - Chaos

"It was my firm belief that more and more people are being touched with some forms of mental illness in their families or friends. Most people do not know where to turn for help. I wanted to bring an awareness of Suncoast Mental Health Center and all the help that is available to them through Suncoast."

Catherine LaCroix

Chaos! We have all experienced this over the past month with the effects of Hurricane Matthew on the Treasure Coast. Fortunately, for most of us, we pick ourselves up, put our lives back together and move on. However, the feelings of being scared, out of control and helplessness that you may have experienced are just a glimpse into the everyday lives of those suffering from mental illness. Suncoast Mental Health Center, under the leadership of Art Ciasca, is working hard to help those who suffer by providing best-practice and research-based assessment, counseling and supportive services.

Mental illness does not discriminate. It is estimated that one in five people are affected by a mental illness. Suicide claims over 42,000 Americans each year and an additional 500,000 attempt suicide. At Suncoast Mental Health Center, a key component to their success, along with their patient services, is educating and bringing awareness to the community; helping to break the stigma associated with mental illness. These outreach events are changing the paradigm by encouraging people to be compassionate, offer support and become advocates.

Finding Peace Amid the Chaos, Suncoast's annual signature outreach event has become a coveted fundraiser on the Treasure Coast. The event's name was given to Suncoast by Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown-Simpson, who wrote a book by the same name. She has allowed Suncoast to use the name in honor of her sister and her own road to recovery. She along with last year's keynote speaker Kathy Cronkite, daughter to broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, and author of "On the Edge of Darkness", have made it their life's work to share their journey with depression; putting a notable face to the illness.

This year, Suncoast proudly welcomes Frank Shankwitz, founder of The Make-A-Wish Foundation as the guest speaker for Finding Peace. Frank, a former law enforcement officer in Arizona will share the heartfelt story of a little boy named Chris who touched his heart and ultimately inspired him and his fellow officers to create a platform by which more than 350,000 wishes have been granted to terminally ill children. As a children's mental health advocate, he has witnessed first-hand how stress, anxiety and depression take their toll on precious children. His message of hope and compassion aligns directly with the mission of Suncoast Mental Health Center, "Brighter Days for Children and Families."

Thursday, Nov. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and auction at Vero's Grand Harbor Golf Club. Tickets for this captivating event are $100 per person. On Friday, Nov. 18, Mr. Shankwitz will make a second appearance at the Port St. Lucie Community Center starting at 5:30 pm with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and lively auction. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Art Ciacsa at 772-489-4726 or Deb Pizzimenti, dpizzimenti@smhcinc.org. Sponsorship opportunities available.

"It was my firm belief that more and more people are being touched with some forms of mental illness in their families or friends. Most people do not know where to turn for help. I wanted to bring an awareness of Suncoast Mental Health Center and all the help that is available to them through Suncoast."

Catherine LaCroix