Mark's Story

My brother is an amazing brother and person. In 1987 my brother had a breakdown. What also is amazing is that before I learned of his breakdown a coworker at the SIU Student Center in Carbondale, Ill. told me about his sister going through a breakdown. I truly believe that God was preparing me for my brother's breakdown. My brother is no different than anyone else. He does not ask for a free ride, just a chance to be a person and shown the same respect as others.

I am proud of my brother because he has so much to offer the world. Mental illness can happen to anyone it does not discriminate. Twenty-five years later I am still proud of my brother for all that he does. Our mother passed away 9/16/11 and we both realize that while we will never  be able to fill  her shoes we can can try to help those who need help. My dream is a National Mental  Illness Awareness Day to be held at all MLB Ball Parks to bring awareness to mental illness the same way MLB used Stand Up to Cancer this past season and post season. My mom had hoped the Chicago Cubs Owners would start this tradition because she so valued former cubs Lou Brock, Don Kessinger, Ernie Banks, Randy Hundley, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins and Billu Williams.