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
2008 Charles T. Rubey LOSS Award Honoree As written in the 2008 Blossoms of Hope program…
“Tom Fran and Kevin Smith are a natural choice for the 2008 Charles T. Rubey Award. Their experience
of loss and the way it has turned into hope for others is the reason. The Smith’s had opposite-sex
twins; their daughter, Karla, struggled for seven years with Bipolar Disorder and succumbed to the
illness at age 26. The Smith family honors Karla’s memory by continuing to help others find hope.
Founded by Tom, Fran, and Kevin, the Karla Smith Foundation (KSF) is an avenue to share family
experiences, which similarly impact thousands of others. Through their slogan, “hope for a balanced
life,” the Smith’s believe that a family devastated by mental illness or even suicide can find the
hope to seek “normalcy” again. Support groups, peer-to-peer coaching, education programs, and awareness
events are all important ways that KSF brings hope to others.”
