Off to the Podium (twice)

Well folks, I'm off to do a couple of speaking engagements soon.

On the 22nd I'll be speaking at a United Way Kick-Off fund-raising event.    There will be about 40 people there (including the mayor) and I will be speaking about my personal struggle with SZA.        They've got me slated for 5-7 minutes so I guess I'll just have time to recount some of the highlights of the last 32 years.       Should be challenging and I must admit, I'm a bit nervous, though I've done this kind of thing before.

The day before, I'll be speaking alongside Carol Neill, my old time friend and associate from the BC Schiz.Society, to some high school students here in town. We'll keep it simple, no surprises there. We start by playing a video and then take turns talking and answering questions.      

The whole point of the high-school talk is education about early intervention in SZ. We want to make it clear to these kids that there is going to be mental illness in their school and what they can do to help those afflicted.       And since early intervention has proven to be the key to a more favorable prognosis, we want them to learn to help themselves.

We also want to try to steer them away from narcotics , as some research now is indicating a link between drug use and SZ.

I'm leaving for Qualicum Beach today to take care of my mother.      My Step-dad is going to Vancouver for cancer surgery and she just can't manage on her own.        I'll be back on Wed.

It's funny, but the pressure of the public eye seems like nothing when your loved ones lives are at stake.

Take care

Don