"Because I can see how our support group members follow the coping strategies to bring more understanding and balance to how they support their loved ones with mental illness."Fran Smith
Karla Smith'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.
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.
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.
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. KSF helps discover and nurture that hope.
We admire you all so much for the way you have turned your own grief into hope for an ever growing number of families. It's testimony to the enormous good that can be accomplished by just a few.” Ginny Lucido, O'Fallon, IL.