This came from a long time member of The Balanced Mind Foundation in response to a recent email from The Balanced Mind Foundation. Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality:

Dear Susan,

I received this (email) just as I hung up from a call from my now 22 year old son Josh who will graduate from college next Saturday with a BA in Political Science. He is finishing up finals and his comment regarding a particularly tough exam next week was, " Mom, failure is not an option, hasn't been for a long time."  Josh has grown into a strong, empathic, focused, confident and sweet young man of whom I am immensely proud.

Tears of gratitude flow from a full heart. I share this with you because The Balanced Mind Foundation had a significant role in Josh being where he is today.

I found The Balanced Mind Foundation when Josh was merely 11 and we were struggling to help him in any way we could. The amazing unconditional support and love I found on the The Balanced Mind Foundation message boards and the information on the site kept me a float and helped with countless decision for his well being. Knowing in my darkest hours I could login and find someone to chat with, ask advise of or perhaps even help in some way myself,  was a blessing for which I will be eternally grateful..  The Balanced Mind Foundation was in it's infancy then and I am so please to have watched your development and growth, knowing how many families you have nurtured and, I dare say, lives you have saved.

I do not like to share such appreciation via email, preferring written notes, but I just felt so moved in this moment that I wanted to share with you what The Balanced Mind Foundation has done for Josh and for me. Peace of mind is a priceless gift.

I hope to be able to continue to support The Balanced Mind Foundation this year and in the future. My circumstances have changes dramatically in the last six months but The Balanced Mind Foundation and the schools Josh attended; all amazing gifts to Josh; will be the organizations I will continue to support as I am able.

With immeasurable gratitude,

Mother of Josh

--

Nanci Schiman, MSW
The Balanced Mind Foundation Program Manager
nschiman@thebalancedmind.org
WI Mom to:
S - 17; BP2, Lamictal, Lithobid, Synthroid, Seroquel
A- 15 Zoloft
L - 13; BP NOS, Trileptal, Amantadine, Lithobid, Synthroid, Lexapro, Niacinimide, Klonopin
DH - D, 50