Carrying On

Carrying On honors the memory of Carrie Cotter and James Cotter. Carrie and James were both very smart young people, who had their whole lives in front of them, when they chose to end their lives. Carrie fought mental health issues her whole life (with therapy, many different medications and an inpatient stay in a psychiatric facility)  and sadly, lost Hope that anyone would be able to help her since she had tried so many things and nothing helped her. Carrie truly believed that she was doing me a favor by ending her life and considered it an act of love on her part. That is SO SAD, but true in her mentally ill mind, and I will forever grieve the loss of my crazy intelligent, spunky, firecracker of a daughter. James was on top of the world his whole life. He was a hard worker and reached whatever lofty goal he set. He was confident and extremely friendly and everyone loved him. He was a leader in many aspects of his life. However, guilt and grief over the loss of his sister led him to alcohol and prescription drugs which messed with his mind and caused radical behavioral and personality changes in him. I did not know about the medications until after his death. He became suicidal from the medications and ended his life before he could get help. Some doctor prescribed a healthy 21 year old 6 different medications in 5 weeks and failed to properly monitor him and now I will forever grieve the loss of my precious first born son who brought light to everyone's life. 

I am devastated and shattered beyond belief, but want to help make sure that some other family doesn't have to endure this immense pain, so I am walking to raise awareness for mental health and to inspire Hope in those currently struggling.

JOIN OUR TEAM FOR NAMIWALKS

WALK WITH ME!

• To promote awareness of mental health and reduce stigma by sharing stories and walking together
• To raise funds for NAMI's mission of advocacy, support and public awareness
• To build community and reassure people they are not alone

Please JOIN OUR TEAM and walk with us, or SUPPORT US by making a donation to a team member listed on our ROSTER. Donations on this site are fast, secure and easy.

All funds raised directly support the mission of NAMI to provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families right here in our community.  

Together, we are moving closer to a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.