|
Published: April 30, 2009 08:42 pm
BENEFIT: The next step in Josh’s Journey
After son’s suicide, family hoping to raise awareness of mental illness
By Leslie Church
Niagara Gazette
A Wheatfield family struck by a recent tragedy is turning their pain into positive thinking.
Brian and Denise Skrzypek and their son Jaimie lost son and brother Joshua Adam Skrzypek to suicide in January. Joshua, who was 21 years old, suffered the debilitating ups and downs of bipolar disorder.
A benefit held in his honor on Saturday will not only pay tribute to Joshua’s life, but aim to improve the lives of others who face similar issues. “Josh’s Journey” will be held in the Frontier Fire Hall in Wheatfield from 4 to 9 p.m.
“We want to increase public awareness of mental illness and also focus on educating the community, eliminating or at least reducing significantly the stigma attached to mental illness,” Denise said.
Along with information on mental health issues and treatment, the benefit will feature live music, a clown and face painting, a live auction of popular sports memorabilia, a basket raffle, cash bar, and plenty of food.
“Everybody will be pleasantly entertained and well-fed,” she said.
The $20 donation will benefit the foundation that the Skrzypek family started a few weeks after Josh’s passing. It’s officially called Josh’s Journey: A Foundation of Hope.
The foundation strives to better the lives of those struggling with mental illness, particularly through education, erasing stigma, and fighting for legislation that will benefit health and wellness of mental illness sufferers.
This is the kickoff benefit for the foundation, but the family anticipates it being the first of many opportunities to raise money and awareness through Josh’s story. They are also gathering a team to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk — a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in September.
The tremendous support from the local community with donations both private and corporate to the Josh’s Journey foundation has been a welcome blessing to the Skrzypek family, Denise said.
“It’s definitely what we need to do so we can increase social acceptance in our community.”
If you go
• WHAT: Josh’s Journey benefit
• WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday
• WHERE: Frontier Fire Hall, 2176 Liberty Drive, Wheatfield
• TICKETS: $20, free for children under 10
• INFO: www.joshsjourney.com
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Nurses
NURSES: RN - Endoscopy, PT days. Up to $5000 sign on bonus; Nurse Manager - Primary Care, FT, NYS LPN or RN license with...>MORE
MST Therapist
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
MST ...>MORE
Mechanic
MECHANIC Service company owned trucks, trailers, etc. 2 years experience and own tools. Apply at 490 Ohio Street or...>MORE
Maintenance Person
Maintenance Person FT Call Gary Carpenter at
716-791-4211 or stop by and fill our application at:
Ransomville...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Technician & Medication Technician
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s, Certified
Medication Tech’s & PCA’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville ...>MORE
Housekeeper Director
HOUSEKEEPER Director FT. Send resume to Heritage Manor of Ransomville, 3509 Ransomville Rd, Ransomville. NY...>MORE
Director of Laboratory Services
DIRECTOR OF
LABORATORY SERVICES
Mount St. Mary's Hospital is offering an
excellent op...>MORE
TOOL GRINDER & WIRE EDM OPERATOR
Tool Grinder-exp. w/contours & blades,Wire EDM Operator-5 yrs exp., 3rd shift. Pivot Punch Corp., resumes: jobs@pivotpu...>MORE
School Bus Drivers
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
We will train you to be a School Bus Driver. Classes starting now. Must have a clean drivers lic...>MORE
RN Supervisor
RN SUPERVISORS/LPN Charge Nurse/CNA’s
Full and Part Time
Positions available.
Apply in person
Fa...>MORE
See all ads |
Ford 1999 Escort ZX2
FORD 1999 ESCORT, ZX2 Coupe, runs great, NYS inspected, exc. cond. $1650. 694-0441...>MORE
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport
DODGE 1998 Dakota Sport 3.9 V6, regular cab, exc in & out, no rust, real sharp, $2750. 523-7102...>MORE
Pontiac 2000 Grand Prix XL
PONTIAC 2000 Grand Prix XL, black,
good condition
531-2669...>MORE
1991 Lincoln Executive Town Car
LINCOLN 1991 Executive Town Car, 42k miles, no rust, runs, needs work, $600. 990-8895....>MORE
1993 Chevy Silverado
CHEVY Silverado 4x4 1993 new alt, starter, exhaust, rebuilt trans., etc. Reliable. Call 282-0465....>MORE
1986 Ford Mustang
FORD 1986 Mustang convertible, 5.0 body kit, 3.8L V6, 40k on new motor, runs but needs work. $700 or BO. 417-1611...>MORE
Chrysler 2000 Concord LXI
Chrysler 2000 Concord LXI, 4 door, one owner, exc. condition, power windows, power steering, power locks, $5000 or best ...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
DODGE 2001Neon, 4 dr, 4 cyl, auto, 58k mi. am/fm CD player, n o rust, like new, $3950. 525-7796...>MORE
Ford 1997 TAURUS
FORD 1997 taurus, runs exc. fully loaded, must see $1400 or best offer. 205-7711...>MORE
1999 Chevy Malibu
CHEVY 1999 Malibu, needs fuel pump, $700. 282-6141 or 990-6026....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
