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2008 Charles T. Rubey L.O.S.S. (Loving Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Award Honoree
April 20, 2008
Chicago, IL
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.”
Watch Tom, Fran and Kevin receive LOSS Award.
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