Partnering with Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA)



Just as we did research to find a prostate cancer non profit to support, we also looked for one to support for the Schizophrenia awareness and fundraising.  We chose Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) for their mission and efforts to improve care, support and equity for those living with schizophrenia.   Schizophrenia is a neurobiological brain illness that often goes undiagnosed until later stages (much like prostate cancer.).  Also, the potential medications for treatment for schizophrenia have similar side effects to the "hormone therapy" treatments for prostate cancer.  

Besides these two similarities, the main reason we have chosen to also raise awareness and funds for S&PAA  is because during treatment for aggressive prostate cancer Scott's son Benny died of suicide at the young age of 24 - due to Benny's schizophrenia that Scott knew nothing about until after Benny died.  We believe Benny didn't share his diagnosis due to the stigma attached with mental health illness and schizophrenia.  

Schizophrenia is a spectrum of serious neurological-psychiatric brain diseases in which people interpret reality abnormally - they may have hallucinations, delusions or extremely disordered thinking.  Once diagnosed treatment is lifelong; but early treatment can mean a much better quality of life, though more work is needed for better diagnosis and treatment.  Schizophrenia can be one of the most disabling of medical conditions and many people struggle to find a medication that works, and if they do they struggle with the side effects, as we believe was happening with Benny.  

We are encouraged by the efforts of S&PAA who are global organization working to save lives -encouraging earlier diagnosis and better treatments. They recognize that "every day without treatment can mean the difference between life and death." www.sczaction.org.   Hopefully though Scott telling his story, and sharing Benny's story www.milesformoney.org more lives will be saved.   Please spread the word and tell people about Scott's mission, the mission of S&PAA and share this blog. Thank you.






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