I had the pleasure of sitingt down for an interview with Michael Andersson, a NAMI-NYC Metro volunteer, consumer and NAMIWalks NYC Walker. Michael first came in NAMI in 2006 following a ten-year battle with bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder. He was kind enough to open up to me and share his inspirational story.
I was curious to learn what NAMIWalks NYC means to him and why he continues to Walk year after year. He explained:
There is so much stigma attached to mental illness and coming out for the Walk is all about pride. It’s very personal to me as a consumer living with bipolar and personality disorder. I choose to Walk for NAMI because I find everything they do to be top notch. I was drawn to the professionalism of the organization and because it has help me so much I am committed to helping it grow and flourish.
Michael walks with the Geel Community Services team. Geel is an apartment treatment program for homeless people living with mental illness. He is now able to live in his own one bedroom apartment through Geel and works hard recruiting team members from the Geel community clubhouse.
Over the years Michael has proven to be an incredible fundraiser, so I asked him about his strategies. He said:
I always start electronically. I modify the NAMIWalks letter and share why NAMI is so special to me. Because I attribute my health to this org my family and friends are happy to give support. I keep my letters short and sweet and include NAMI’s high charity rating and web address. I send an email to everybody in my address book, which is between 400-500 people and tell them no gift is too small. You’d be surprised who will sponsor you. I’ve even had my first grade teacher give to me!
Michael spoke so highly of the Walk and when I asked what his favorite thing about it is he said:
So many things, but I think it’s the camaraderie that’s so special. The buzz that goes on around the office and in the programs leading up to the Walk is also so exciting and being on the Brooklyn Bridge with my friends and peers celebrating is so rewarding.
Last year Michael faced a relapse in March and didn’t think he would be able to participate in NAMIWalks NYC.
When I finally came around to feeling better it was April and I wasn’t sure I would be able to raise much money. So I set a low goal of $100. Fortunately because of the computer I was able to log on and send out my letters very quickly. I shared my personal story about my relapse and how helpful NAMI has been in getting me back to recovery. In a matter of weeks I managed to raise over $3,000. It was incredible.
Michael has come such a long way from his darkest days and is committed to giving back to people currently dealing with their own mental health issues:
NAMI programming has helped keep me in recovery and I now help run programs to help others like me. I’m currently applying to Hunter College for Social Work and I want to specialize in community organizing. So without NAMI I would not have found my professional calling.
