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Project; My Story Isn’t Over Yet

Englewood Sun - 6/1/2017

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Walk held May 6 at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda was My Story Isn’t Over Yet, inspired by Project Semicolon, founded by Amy Bleuel.

Project Semicolon (www.ProjectSemicolon.com), is about the struggle of Bleuel’s life of abuse and depression. After losing her father to suicide when she was 18, she continued her struggles throughout college before realizing her calling. She wanted to leave her mark on the world though the creation of Project Semicolon, setting out to help others who struggled with a mental illness and didnt realize their true worth.

The semicolon serves as a symbol of the perseverance of dealing with a mental illness. Bleuel lost her battle with depression on March 23, 2017, at the age of 31.

The annual event, a 1.5-mile walk, sponsored by Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, served as a tribute to her legacy as well as bringing awareness to the community for the need for help for those with mental health issues. The event included resources from other local health care organiations and speakers from the community.

“The goal of the mental health walk is to raise awareness to the issues surrounding mental health, reduce the stigma and show our community’s network of care and support,” explained Kelly Pomerville, marketing and PR manager at CBHC. “We want everyone to know that they are not alone in their struggles with a mental illness.”