Coach Laxdal talks NAMI Walk on October 3

Dear Friends, I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event for which I have been named Honorary Chairman. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI?s signature walkathon event that is being held in Boise, ID at 250 Parkcenter Blvd. on October 3, 2009. I am passionate about the NAMI organization as I have a child who has suffered most of her life with Bipolar Disorder, Depression and ADHD. If you follow the links I have provided below, you will find more information on mental illness and the lack of mental health services available to Americans today. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office. The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission. NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars. Please check out my team walk page. Also, please visit the NAMIWalks Boise home page. Thank you in advance for your support. Sincerely, Derek Laxdal