August 22, 2008 - Erase the Stigma Conference
2nd annual Erase the Stigma Conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. For more information or to register for the conference please email: ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org
Why KSF Was Formed
Karla's seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder began when she was 19. It culminated with her
suicide at age 26. In her memory, the Smith family continues her commitment to help other families
face these challenges.
The Karla Smith Foundation, founded by Tom, her father, Fran, her mother, and Kevin, her twin
brother, is an avenue to share family experiences which similarly impact thousands of others.
Purpose of KSF
With support groups, peer-to-peer coaching, education programs, and awareness events, the KSF
helps bring balance into lives that are affected by people with mental illness or suicide of a loved one.
About Our Slogan – Hope For a Balanced Life
Mental illness and suicide create an imbalance in the emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral
lives of the family and friends of someone with mental illness as well as suicide survivors. Most often the
family and friends are confused, empty, and frustrated by the behavior of their loved one. Their
life balance is gone, and they see little hope for a “normal” life.
The KSF believes there is hope for a balanced life. Even if there is an untreated person with mental illness
in the family, even in the aftermath of suicide, there is hope. The KSF helps discover and
nurture that hope.
Mental Illness
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 50 million Americans suffer from mental
illness every year. There are over 100 million family members or friends of people with mental health
problems in the United States.
Suicide Survivors
A suicide survivor is a family member or friend of someone who commits suicide. There are over 32,000
suicides in the U.S. every year. These deaths leave thousands of survivors suffering a unique grief.
