January 10-11, 2009

Bob and Lee Peterson's events in Sarasota, Florida to raise awareness and funds for mental health, were a smash! Even in a tough economy the event raised $200,000 for research and slashed stigma for the over 1700 people who attended. The Petersons, and Patty Duke, both received tribute awards--and they deserved them, for their work in spreading the word that brain disease needs no shame, and for supporting cutting-edge mental health research. Not to mention hosting a memorable event!

The packed symposium featured talks by Dr. Elyn Saks, Patty Duke and Dr. Herbert Meltzer of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Saks' story about her lifelong journey with schizophrenia was by turns heart-rending, inspiring and funny. "When my husband kissed me for the first time, I can actually remember thinking, 'Wow, this is better than having a paper accepted!'" Hearing about how she was finally able to accept and thus gain some control of her illness was an "aha" moment to remember. I'll never forget meeting her ("Please, call me Elyn.")

Patty Duke's story of her rollercoaster ride through bipolar disorder to a stable, loving life with her husband Michael Pearce and five grandchildren was warm and just as inspiring. She told a beautiful anecdote about how one evening she heard a "thud" coming from her young son Sean's bedroom. When she checked on it, she found Sean fast asleep-but also spotted a pair of hands slipping out the window. She screamed, and hit the "call" button on her Bel Aire patrol remote, but the batteries in it were gone! "Two young boys in the house," she said to explain that. Then her other son came into the room crying, "Mommy what's the matter?"--"We've had a burglary!"--"Oh, thank God--I thought you forgot to take your lithium!"

The gala on Sunday night was a lovely evening. Wonderful entertainment by local Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Sarasota, Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Ballet preceded the main part of the party: the presentation of lifetime tribute awards to Patty Duke and Lee and Bob Peterson. Patty thanked the guests with the moving statement, "It's people like you that make it possible for people like me to get better!" And Lee's face was radiant as she spoke of her love for her son David and how proud she was that he is doing well, finding meaning in painting and sculpting. Dancing to the jumpin' Big Z Band ended the evening on an ecstatic note.

The whole experience was fun, educational and heartwarming. If you missed this event, go to the next one! January 30-31, 2010.

Learn more at the Sunshine from Darkness website