Jackson Free Press

that is being held in Jackson, MS at Jackson Prep on May 06, 2006.

I am participating for the third time because I am a member of NAMI, and I have struggled in the past with panic attacks, depression and suicide. Because of my struggles, I have seen the shortcomings in how mental illness is dealt with in our society, and I want to help change that.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to
support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page
to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks06/MIS/lwillis It features a
link to my team's page where you can see who else is walking with me.
There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating
online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail
of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest
education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those
who's lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with
mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement
community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of
approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national
office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that
surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental
health system in this country needs to be improved and to raise funds for
NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my
participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth
magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world"
and has been given an "A+" rating by The American Institute of
Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars. NAMI has
also been given 4 out of 4 stars by The Charity Navigator for short-term
spending practices and long-term sustainability.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Latasha Willis

Previous Commentsshow

TWO MORE DAYS TO DONATE TO NAMI! If you haven't already, go to http://www.nami.org/namiwalks06/MIS/lwillis to donate via credit/debit card. There is no specific amount. By the way, go here to see the T-shirt design for my team.

LatashaWillis

May 3 2006

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! $182 were raised by my team this year. We didn't reach the $500 goal this year, but I believe we can do it next year with your help. I hope to have pictures posted here soon, so check back later. Also, donations are still being accepted on the Web site for the next 60 days, so you still have a chance to give: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks06/MIS/lwillis

LatashaWillis

May 8 2006

Latasha, thank you for your work with this. My mom has volunteered with NAMI for awhile, it is a great group. They reach out to the families of the mentally ill & help make it not such a stigma. Thanks for making people aware through this forum. --Laurel

Izzy

May 8 2006

Thanks, Laurel. You haven't heard the last of me either! :-) By the way, someone in CA gave $20 today. I haven't closed up shop yet, so let others know about the Web site, okay?

LatashaWillis

May 9 2006

Sounds like a very good cause. I see the event has already happened. Since I have had clients who suffers with this diease and probably some undiagnosed family member, I'm now very sympathetic to it. I will give a donation to this but not over the internet. Still don't trust it.

Ray Carter

May 9 2006

I'll pass the word on...keep it up...maybe next year I can walk with you! :-)

Izzy

May 9 2006

For those who want to give via snail mail, send a check/money order to: NAMI Mississippi Attn: Ray Wallace 411 Briarwood Dr Ste 401 Jackson, MS 39206-3058

LatashaWillis

May 15 2006

I just got another donation, so the total now stands at $222! If you still want to give online, you have until July 8.

LatashaWillis

May 19 2006

I have some pics from the event. Check 'em out. Glad it didn't rain yet: [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06_4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06_3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06_2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06_1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06_0.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/law6331/NAMIWalks/NAMI06.jpg[/IMG]

LatashaWillis

May 20 2006

Re: the last picture...Is it just me, or does my head look like a big chocolate meatball? Oh well. Can't wear makeup and feather boas on a race track.

LatashaWillis

May 20 2006

I think you look cute. :P I'm glad it went well! Cheers, TH

Tom Head

May 20 2006

Tom, on top of being cloudy that day, it seems as if whenever I take a picture with no flash or dim lighting, I look like I have a five-o'clock shadow. It's just the shadow of my big cheeks, but I want people to know that I don't need to shave. :-P

LatashaWillis

May 20 2006

The thought never crossed my mind. :P Cheers, TH

Tom Head

May 20 2006