May 24th is a day that I’ve always gotten confused with May 28th in my mind. I think it’s because my Dad’s birthday would have been on the 28th (he would have been 59 this year) but it’s around the May 2-4 weekend. Who knows – I’ll chalk it up to the fact that I am in desperate need of a vacation. It is also World Schizophrenia and Psychosis Day and it marks the 40th Anniversary of The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO).
In Toronto I’ll be bringing you to an event today to celebrate the importance of SSO and their work. Many people may not know the facts around Schizophrenia and Psychosis. I remember not that long ago the term “schizo” was interchangeable with calling someone “crazy” which we all know now is just not okay.
Schizophrenia and Psychosis is a subject matter that in fact hits home for me directly. My maternal grandmother was in fact living with in her life when she was still with us, and it had ramifications on our families. The importance of understanding the hereditary and medical implications that it can have on my health and the health of my future children. That’s why I felt it was so important to share some FACTS with you all.
Started in a church basement in Oakville 40 years ago, SSO has become one of Canada’s largest mental health charities helping tens of thousands of Canadians affected by Schizophrenia and Psychosis each and every year. (Here is a short video showcasing the tremendous history of SSO and how they’re leading the charge on bettering mental healthcare in Canada. We’ve supported them and their work over the years and I am happy to continue to do so today and all year round.
In addition to today’s event in Toronto (click here to come BTS with me) the interview and learning opportunities, popular photographer Vika Vine will be offering Shining Light portraits for all attendants in front of our light wall which celebrates the people who have helped SSO shine over the last 40 years.
As we’ve shared before, the fact remains that the impact of schizophrenia in our communities is significant – one in 100 people in our community will be diagnosed with schizophrenia and 3 in 100 with psychosis. On a provincial scale, this means it directly affects over 140,000 people and their families, friends and loved ones, and many more in their networks
This is where I ask you to not only donate and support the work of SSO, but also to join in on the much needed social media conversation by following @peace_of_minds on Twitter, @SchizophreniaSocietyON on Instagram and by ‘Liking’ their Facebook Page. Follow and use #ShineOnSSO as you help us raise support, awareness and much needed funds for the amazing work they do all year long.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we are working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We would love to have you join on our adventures!
Photos:
The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Daniel Reyes, Julio Reyes & all Social Media accounts listed
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
Mobile photos were taken with my Samsung Canada Galaxy S10+ on the Rogers network