Welcome to our Team page - Be Kind 4 Tay!  We walk in memory of my beautiful niece, Taylor, to raise awareness of mental illness and raise funds for the important work of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  You never know what someone is going through - we all have a story. Be loving. Be gentle. Be kind.  

Taylor’s journey started many years ago. She was spunky, sassy and spirited from the start and could light up the room with her vivacious personality and infectious giggle. But behind that gorgeous smile was a girl struggling to find balance within the waves of her emotions. Taylor struggled with mental illness for over half of her life.  When she was "good" or stable, she was amazing.  But when she was on either edge of her illness, it was heart-breaking.  Too depressed to shower or change her clothes....or too manic to even keep herself safe. During her journey she was always quick to share her story, to encourage others, to stand up to the stigma of mental illness.  She was an inspiration.

At the time of her death in August 2017,  Taylor was hospitalized and had placed her life in the hands of professionals who were supposed to help her.  Sadly, they failed her.  They failed us. We must do better at treating the mentally ill with respect and dignity. We must train providers to be attentive and observant and we must create a society that is not only tolerant of but compassionate and empathetic to the struggle. 

During the month of May, members of Taylor's family will walk in her memory - in Texas, California, and Connecticut! Please JOIN OUR TEAM and walk with us, or support our team by making a donation to a team member listed on our ROSTER. Donations on this page are fast, secure and easy. Thanks so much for your support!