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Meet a family that’s working to wipe out mental illness, one step at a time.

On June 8, 2008, the first-ever “Taking Strides Against Mental Illness” walkathon will take place in Ridgewood, New Jersey, with two goals: to increase awareness about mental illness and raise funds to support NARSAD. The event is spearheaded by the Ehrlich family of Wayne; Harryet, Stuart and their daughter Rebecca, whose goal is to bridge the communication gap between local families and the mental health community.

Rebecca, who began showing symptoms of a mental disorder as a toddler, was formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 21. Over the 10 years that followed, she was hospitalized more than 50 times and received more than 50 electroconvulsive shock therapy treatments.

Today, at 35, Rebecca has taken on a new role as the face of mental illness in her New Jersey community and speaks regularly to educate people about how symptoms such as extreme changes in mood, behavior and energy levels could be indicative of a disorder such as hers. In October 2006, after participating in a local charity event, she was inspired to host a walk to bring awareness to a larger audience and raise funds to increase research.

“When she came up with the idea for the walk I thought, ‘This would give her a real life purpose,’” said Harryet, who has since published a book about her experience as a mother of a child suffering from mental illness.

Together, the family has put their plan into motion, with their community rallying behind them. In fact, Senator Richard Cody (D-NJ) and his wife, Mary Jo, will serve as honorary chairpersons of the event. A strong proponent of mental health awareness, Mrs. Cody has spoken openly about her struggles with clinical depression.

“We both know from personal experience -- myself the consumer and my mother the family member – that facing mental illness straight on is extremely difficult for most people. It's still a stigmatizing, misunderstood and frightening illness,” said Rebecca.

The Ehrlichs hope that through greater research, more parents especially will have better understanding of the warning signs, and how to find help for their children. For more information about “Taking Strides Against Mental Illness,” you can visit the event Web site at www.againstmentalillness.org.

To purchase Harryet Ehrlich’s book “Resurrection and Redemption,” co-authored with Lewis A. Opler, M.D., Ph.D., click here to go to Amazon.com.

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