The Chino Valley Walk for Mental Health

Posted: March 15, 2011

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On September 20, 2010, our son, Jason, suffered what we later identified as a severe schizophrenic break. He was 20 years old, so my wife Linda and I were not permitted to have a voice in his evaluations and care. Early in the morning of September 25, 2010, Jason went for, what had become during that week, one of his routine walks. He never returned. Jason was struck by a car at about 3:30 AM.

Out of this tragedy, Linda and I have made it our quest to dispel the all-too-common “shame” that people with mental disorders bear. In addition, we will loudly pronounce that these terrible mental disorders are genetic. They do not result from any of the old blame-based causes.

1 in 4 Americans live with mental health disorders. Please join us in the fight by supporting The Brain and Behavior Research Fund; the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); Mental Health America; the Autism Society of America; and your County Department of Health Services.

On May 14, 2011, the Jason Tennies Memorial Foundation will conduct the CHINO VALLEY WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN MEMORY OF JASON TENNIES. At the Walk we will honor all persons battling with mental disorders and we will honor Jason as a memorial. Proceeds from this event will go to NARSAD, The Brain and Behavior Research Fund. NARSAD, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to alleviating the suffering of mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and  breakthroughs in scientific research. 100% of all donor contributions for research are invested in NARSAD grants leading to discoveries in understanding causes and improving treatments of disorders in children and adults, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Thank you very much for your support.
David Tennies

By David Tennies, Teaming Up for NARSAD as host of the Chino Valley Walk for Mental Health