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She had experienced symptoms at age 19 but for 2 years, we did not know what was wrong. The bipolar disorder diagnosis came from a hospital in New Mexico. After learning about bipolar disorder, our family agreed the diagnosis was accurate.
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Karla died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early afternoon on Monday, January 13, 2003.
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Tom, Fran, and Kevin sign the legal papers incorporating the foundation and begin the process to clearly define the mission and market the cause.
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This book is the story of Karla's life, told from the perspective of Tom, her father. It also includes the perspective from Kevin, her twin brother, and writings from Karla herself.
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For family members of someone living with mental illness. 2 people attended.
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Held at Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL
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Receives the Charles E. Rubey Award from the Chicago-based L.O.S.S. (Loving Outreach Suicide Survivors), as an organization leading the way in helping people cope with the loss from suicide. Tom, Fran, and Kevin accept the award and speak to an audience of more than 700 about the mission of the Karla Smith Foundation.
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The book, written by Tom Smith, focuses on the 9 strategies of Medication, Education, Counseling, Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Warning Signs, Self-Care, Network, and Faith. It also includes stories from KSF support group members using the strategies.
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BringChange2Mind is a mental illness anti-stigma and awareness campaign co-founded by actress Glenn Close
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The dinner auction moves to a new venue, the Four Points by Sheraton.
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Emily's role is the Director of Marketing and Development, as well as acting as the Chairperson for the annual dinner auction
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Dinner gala at Four Seasons attended by 130 Friday. Then a Saturday Cardinals game, in which Ms. Close threw out the first-pitch while the BC2M PSA was shown on the jumbotron. KSF had 21 corporate sponsors for 'Change A Mind, Change A Life.'
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Held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights, attended by 375 people, 150 of which were new attendees to the annual dinner auction.
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Under the direction of Jim and Linda Murphey, the St. Louis support group for families of those with a mental illness begins.
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Chris' title is Director of Programs and Events.
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Hires 2nd full-time employee, Mary Pat Dejarnette, as the Region V Family Leadership Coordinator.
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Emily becomes the 3rd full-time employee of KSF.
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KSF employee Chris Hendrix is selected as the Statewide Family Leadership Coordinator for Illinois.
