We are Dave and Linda Tennies. One year ago on September 20, 2010, our son Jason Tennies suffered what we later identified as a severe schizophrenic break. He became delusional, suffered from hallucinations and displayed bizarre behavior. Prior to his break, Jason was an outstanding student, a musician, a black belt, and a part-time algebra tutor. Five days later, on September 25th, we lost Jason in a tragic traffic accident when he went for a late night walk and stepped in front of a car. When we lost Jason we decided that we would devote our lives to helping others with mental health disorders. We have started a Foundation in Jason’s name “The Jason Tennies Memorial Foundation” which raised $15,000 dollars for the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
Jason lost his life because they didn’t know enough about schizophrenia, how to diagnose his illness or how to treat him in the interim. And because of the stigma that surrounds mental illness people choose to hide their illness or the illness of a loved one – they are ashamed. So because of the stigma, the lack of more information, and the need for more research it has been an uphill battle to get support. We all know someone with a mental health disorder whether its depression, autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD or an anxiety disorder. We need to understand the causes and effects of these disorders so that we can improve the treatments and hopefully find a cure. No one should lose a loved one or watch them struggle with mental illness.
We have made a commitment to do everything in our power to help others and we hope you will join us. We have created a TeamUp! America page and encourage you to do the same. It’s easy and you can call on your family, friends and neighbors to support research institutions in your state. For more info, click here: TeamUp! America
Support Brain & Behavior Research Foundation…and imagine a world without shame.
Sincerely,
Dave and Linda Tennies
