Courage to Come Back Awards

Breakthrough

Winter 2005-06

A cause for celebration

Mary Walsh, Courage to Come Back Recipient

It's not as well known as a Juno or a Gemini, but this award is every bit as significant, and means just as much to those who receive it and those who are nominated for it. In fact, it is an important award for all of us because this recognition also helps to break down the stigma that surrounds addiction and mental illness. It is a Courage to Come Back Award.

Each spring, the CAMH Foundation recognizes seven extraordinary people in Ontario who have faced the challenges and difficulties of living with a mental illness and/or addiction and who now use their experiences to help and encourage others in similar circumstances. Their achievements are celebrated at the Courage to Come Back Awards Dinner, which serves to raise public awareness and funds. The first Courage to Come Back Awards campaign was held in 1993.

Last year's awards, hosted by the CAMH Foundation and presented by RBC Capital Markets, was held on May 25th at the Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre. Nearly 1000 people attended the 13th annual event that paid tribute to the recipients and raised more than $400,000.

Among those honoured were Mary Walsh, from This Hour has 22 Minutes and Paulette Walker, who works in the cafeteria at the Russell Street site.

David Goldbloom, CAMH's Senior Medical Advisor, Education and Public Affairs, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Those in attendance could not help but be deeply moved by the compelling stories of all the Courage to Come Back Award winners, with the audience especially captivated by comedian Mary Walsh who brought her own unique brand of humour to the festivities.

Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President and CEO of CAMH, recounted his recent experience of being treated for cancer and speculated about how different the outcome might have been had he had a mental illness or addiction. People who face these challenges often lose their jobs and their homes, and may also be treated differently by friends and family. Further, they must wait long periods for treatment. "We all agree it's completely unreasonable for anyone to wait a year for a hip replacement, but the average wait times for mental health and addiction services aren't measured in years - it's forever," he said. "Most people who need care never receive it."

Mental illness and addiction are highly stigmatized causes, so it is very gratifying that leading Canadian companies continue to support CAMH through sponsorship of the Courage to Come Back Awards. In addition to presenting sponsor RBC Capital Markets, there are many partners including BMO Financial Group, CAW/TCA Canada, Ernst & Young, Manulife Financial, Ontario Power Generation, Power Workers' Union, Warren Shepell, and Wyeth, as well as media sponsors Liquid, Rogers Media, and the Toronto Sun.

If you know of a courageous person who is using their experiences with mental illness and/or addiction to give back to the community, consider nominating them for a Courage to Come Back Award. Every story told is a brick removed from the wall of stigma that often prevents other people from seeking treatment.

To find out more about the Courage to Come Back Awards, please call Bonnie Perry, 416 535-8501 ext. 4395. Nominate someone you know; visit www.couragetocomeback.net.

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