Dear Andrew,

As your 1^st year “Angel Date” draws ever so near

11 months 29 days worth of mornings I wake up still not believing you’re not here

That December night, I live over and over, not remembering the snow or even the cold

For the tears were the snowflakes and the cold that I felt was deep within

You were only 23 years old

When I feel my heart breaking in two

One side for your brother and one side for you

That’s when your spirit and energy show me, you’re everlasting and near

I love you forever Andrew, I will love you always my dear

So that’s why I promise as long as on this earth I belong

That I will do everything within my power to help you live on

Just as the stars are not visible in the light of the day

We still know they exist and we’ll see them again in some way

I miss you everyday

Andrew

Love always and forever,

Mom

Just want to let everyone know that, by request we are having the 2^nd Annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run on Saturday, May 10^th, 2008 (Andrew’s 25^th Birthday).

If you are interested in volunteering or attending you can email Brenda at balinski@mts.net  or call (204) 444-5771 or phone Judy at 444-3536, as we are hoping to set up a committee after the holidays.

For those of you who are interested in lighting a candle in honour of all children who have died, please read the following that was in Compassionate Friends’ Newsletter.

On December 9/2007 World Wide Candle Lighting – 7:00 p.m. in all time zones.

Everyone in every time zone around the world is invited to light a candle in honour of all children who have died, that their light may always shine.

As candles go out in one time zone, they will be lit in the next, creating a wave of light that will encircle the globe.

Visit the TCF/USA website, www.compassionatefriends.org on that day and share your thoughts on their memorial page, as you light your candles and observe this quiet time.

Community support enables battle against mental illness to continue

Bird’s Hill Park Ranch now has a tree and granite memorial stone honouring the young man who, through his battle with depression, inspired the Andrew Dunn Foundation.

Judy Dunn and Brenda Balinski handed over a cheque to the HSC Foundation, money raised through the first-ever Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run (above, right). Pictured are, from left: Judy Dunn, Brenda Balinski, Robert Dunn, and F. Lynn Bishop.

Brenda Balinski of the Andrew Dunn Foundation snapped these two photos of students receiving the foundations awards. Anjelique DaCosta (far left) was honoured at Springfield Collegiate Institute’s graduation ceremoney while Dani Petras took home the honours at Royal Elementary School in Charleswood.

They used to say behind every great man there’s a great woman and, although the expression has generally fallen from grace these days, there are still certain circumstances where no expression could possibly be more appropriate.
Ask anyone who knew and loved him and they’ll proudly tell you the late Andrew Dunn was a great man and his mother, Judy Dunn, holds an equally special place in many hearts. She stood behind her son establishing the Andrew Dunn Foundation and organizing the Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk. Working together with dear friend Brenda Balinski, the two were finally able to witness the first fruits of their labours over the past month.

“On June 20, we were delighted to hand the HSC Foundation a cheque for $13,465,” Dunn explained, noting the money was raised through the first annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run earlier this year. “It was an emotional day, both elated at the success of our first effort and yet devastating at the knowledge of how it all came about. However, with my son Robert and my dear friend Brenda at my side, I made it through one more day and continue keeping my promise to Andrew.”

Dunn went on to detail some of the other work the Andrew Dunn Foundation has been doing, including awarding special honours to two exceptional students who are making a difference in their communities. One student was a Grade 6 graduate of Royal Elementary School in Charleswood, a school the Dunn family is very familiar with.

“We were able to award a sweet little girl, Dani Petras, a teddy bear with a gift certificate and a plaque for her caring and compassion towards her fellow classmates and others at the school - the same school that I attended, as well as Andrew and Robert,” Dunn explained. “Louise Burton, the boys’ Grade 1 teacher, was also in attendance to help present the award. An additional $100 cheque was also handed over to the guidance office and we are hoping to work with them to start an education and awareness program for students, as well as their parents and the teachers, on the devastating affects of depression and learning to spot the signs to successfully treat this disease.”

Balinski noted Petras accomplished a lot during her time at the school.

“Dani never gives up and works very hard. She is fully engaged in school activities, including all the sports and music activities.” Balinski explained. “She was a patrol and a member of the student leadership. She took the baby-sitting course and volunteered during school events to baby-sit small children.”

Less that 24 hours later, it was Anjelique DaCosta’s turn to receive the Andrew Dunn Foundation’s accolades.
“We attended Springfield Collegiate Institute’s graduation ceremony at the Winnipeg Convention Centre and, with Robert at my side and Brenda on camera duty, we were delighted to hand over a cheque for $500 and a plaque to Anjelique DaCosta,” Dunn explained. “The recipient of the award also met the criteria of being caring and compassionate to their fellow students and was chosen by the teachers.”

Balinski was equally impressed with DaCosta.

“Judy and I were both emotional when we heard as Anjelique has been dealing with depression and was brave and honest enough to talk to Manitoba Moments,” Balinski said. “Staff did not even know this. She is an amazing lady. She also helped us at the social by working the door all night with her family - actually, her entire family is amazing!”
Dunn said the emotional experience was only a tiny step but is overjoyed knowing all these tiny steps are moving her in the right direction. She went on to say the Andrew Dunn Foundation has agreed to participate in a radio-thon with the HSC Foundation in November and, also in the last few weeks, honoured Andrew with a special addition to Bird’s Hill Park.

“We just planted Andrew’s tree at the Bird’s Hill Park Ranch, along with a beautiful granite memorial marker donated by Cropo Funeral Chapel,” Dunn said. “The ranch is the location we have decided to go with for our annual walk so as to properly accommodate walkers, joggers, and bicycles, roller blades, even dog walkers, as well as horseback and buggies. With these wonderful facilities in our area, it would be a shame not to take full advantage of them every year.”
The work is satisfying for Dunn and everyone else involved with the Andrew Dunn Foundation but little means more than community support.

“After the SCI ceremony on June 27, I came home with so many feelings, emotions, and thoughts running through me only to have one more moment of tears,” Dunn began. “A lovely young woman came to my door and handed us a generous donation from the Hazelridge Women’s Ball Hockey Team and, yes, we will continue to take any and all donations, great or small, on behalf of the Andrew Dunn Memorial Fund because the battle has only just begun.”

Photos and story by Ryan Crocker, copyright SUN MEDIA

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

Great tufts of soft, white poplar seeds lined the winding roads of Birds Hill Park last Sunday like countless tiny angels cheering on participants in the first annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk.

It was an event that attracted hundreds with a desire to tame mental illness - some struggling in silence themselves, others working tirelessly for a relative or friend, and still more continuing the battle in memory of a loved one. For a few hours on Mothers’ Day, though, they were all fighting together. All of them.

“I believe that Andrew wouldn’t have liked all this fuss with his name attached when he was alive, but we know that he was at the walk, we know that he approves of what we are doing” explained Judy Dunn, his mother. Andrew, though an intelligent, handsome, and popular young man, battled depression for years, and eventually disappeared behind the disease’s devastating symptoms. On Dec. 12, 2006, he made a final choice the love ones he left behind know in their hearts he’d never have made otherwise - he took his own life.

“Things have happened, coincidences - and things that should have never worked out came together with no real explanation. We know that he approves of what we are doing to help bring depression out of the shadows and, hopefully, help others to find other options available to them… it is our job to get rid of the stigma so others can come forward for help and find it.”

It’s difficult for Judy, who is still carrying some of the pieces of her life in her arms following the devastation mental illness brought into her family, into her heart. However, she doesn’t have to do it alone - and never will as long as Brenda Balinski is around.

“I have to tell you that if it was not for Brenda, with all her hard work and great skills, neither the social that allowed us to put on the walk nor the walk would have taken place this year, “ Judy said. “I could not have held up this soon after loosing Andrew. She also got AndrewDunn.org up and running, what a great job and wonderful friend. She won’t take the credit that she deserves but she really did all the work and don’t let her tell you otherwise.”

And, on Mothers’ Day, both women were able to enjoy the fruits of their labours. The first annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk inspired more than 200 people to walk, bicycle, or ride their horses - symbolic first steps in the Andrew Dunn Foundation’s battle to pull mental illness out of the darkness and do to it what it has done to far too many lives.

“We made about $15,000 from raffles, food, drinks, a 50/50 draw and sponsors from the walk. We are still collecting money and donations are still being accepted,” Brenda explained, noting she hopes people truly realize depression and mental illness are like any other diseases and need to be treated as best as possible. “The success of this walk means that we will now be able to make a difference. I hope that it has helped in some way to begin to remove the stigma of depression for some people - we have to start somewhere.”

What a start is was. Celebrity guest Ace Burpee, a Cook’s Creek native who hosts a popular radio show on Winnipeg’s Hot 103, stopped by to lead the enthusiastic crowd through a warm-up filled with laughter and cheer.

“I think Ace was great,” Brenda said. “I love that he did the warm-up and had everyone, including Judy and I, laughing. I already asked him if he would come back next year.”

Brenda was also struck by the family of another young person who lost their battle with mental illness.

Memorial Walk

Wearing t-shirts that said “For the love of Kaitlyn, get help when you need it”, they were a sight to behold.

“Wow….it was hard not to cry when reading it and seeing her beautiful young face. I told the family how beautiful it was. I want to do the same next year for Andrew.”

Another highlight for Judy was seeing her son Robert, joined by friends of Andrew’s, at the event.

“That meant an awful lot to me - poor Robert has to put up with all my love now,” she joked.

And then they all set out through Birds Hill Park, along roads lined with drifts of poplar seeds - as even more fluffy puffs of white weaved through the trees lifted by the wind.

Wind isn’t the only invisible force with the power to lift. The force that inspires Judy and Brenda to continue the battle, that motivates dozens and dozens of people to participate in a memorial walk, that empowers the Andrew Dunn Foundation - whatever you call it - has the power to lift people out of the dark depths of mental illness. It’s a power the foundation plans to put to good use.

If you are interested in making a donation or helping out in any way, don’t hesitate to call Brenda at 444-5771 or email her at balinski@mts.net. If you know what Judy and Brenda are going through, if you or someone in your life is struggling with depression and you need someone to talk to - Judy is a member of Compassionate Friends, a support group, and she’s more than willing to share a conversation. Just call 444-3536.

Photos and story by Ryan Crocker, copyright SUN MEDIA

Well after much preparation and organizing we had our 1st Annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run in BirdsHillPark. It was held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th, 2007. At 8:00 a.m. about 200 people registered and took part in the walk and horseback ride at the Ranch.

Ace Burpee, from Hot 103 kicked off the event by having everyone warm up by marching and doing the well known arm movements that spell out the letters to the Village People’s, Y-M-C-A. He warmed everyone up, including their spirits. He had everyone up and laughing the entire time.

At 9:00 am everyone started the 1 to 5 km. walk, with most doing the entire 5 km. At the end of the walk we had a barbeque. The awesome Kinsmen crew brought along their barbeque and took care of the barbequing for us. As usual, you can always count on them!

After Ace Burpee left, so that he could go to church with his mother for Mother’s Day, (Way to go, Ace!) Louie Gmiterik and his beautiful wife, from Twilight Productions took over and emceed and played some of Andrew’s favorite songs, such as, ”My Immortal” by Evenescence” and “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers.. Those who knew Andrew well knew that most nights he would choose to sing, “The Gambler” at the Oakbank Motor Hotel on Karaoke nights.

We had a 50/50 draw and a raffle that included a 12’ x 12’ screened-in gazebo, valued at $295.00, which was won by Linda Bailey, and a fireplace with a cooking grill, valued at $140.00, which was won by Ace Burpee, who generously gave it to Laurie Hoover and her granddaughter, Robyn. I don’t know who was more excited, Laurie or Robyn. All I know is that they went home and set it up right away.

Prizes were given to the top 7 participants who collected the most sponsors. They were allowed to select whatever prize they wanted.

• 1st prize Sharon Bissonette - fire place
• 2nd prize Lori Mabb - gravity chair
• 3rd prize Sharon Laferriere - $25.00 Superstore gift certificate
• 4th prize Pat Burdett - gift basket
• 5th prize Roxanne Dickenson - gift basket
• 6th prize Lyle Scrymgeour - gift basket
• 7th prize DaCosta family - $25.00 Superstore gift certificate

It was great seeing so many families come out. One that really touched our hearts was Kaitlyn’s family. They all came wearing t-shirts with Kaitlyn’s beautiful picture on the front and above it, it read, “For the love of Kaitlyn”, and below, it read, “Get help when you need it”. The t-shirt was so beautiful and yet so sad that someone so young had to loose their life to depression. Next year we are hoping to get t-shirts with Andrew’s picture on with the same message and hopefully others will do the same in memory of their family members. As well, It was so nice seeing so many young people attend the walk.

We had some awesome volunteers making sure that everything ran smoothly. They were, in no specific order, Robert Dunn, the awesome Kinsmen crew, Ace Burpee, Louie Gmiterek,, Linda Gyslinck, Lindsay Balinski, Justin Balinski, Jordan Balinski, Amanda Hobin, Eric and Lynda Howdle, Stella Woytowich, Dorothy and Tony Loszchuk, Sharon Laferriere, Lisa Laferriere, Tony Balinski, Donna Chapko, Anne-Marie Roy, Marcia Kroeker, Bev Lewis, Dawn Sawatsky, the DaCosta family, Joanne & Cam Glass, Erika Thomsen, Deb Cancade, Mrs. Morrish, and Kaitlyn (student).

We are already preparing for the 2nd Annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run to be held next Mother’s Day in the morning. We should be done again by ll:00 a.m, .so that those wishing to go home and celebrate and honour their mothers with their families still have lots of time to do so.

Right now we are on our way to becoming the Andrew Dunn Foundation and are looking for anyone interested in being on our Board of Directors, as well as, being on the Advisory Board. If you are interested, please contact us.

Also, if you are interested in volunteering to be on a committee, such as, silent auction, prizes, advertising, signage, etc, for next year, please contact us.

A huge thank you to all our participants, as we collected approximately $15,000 from the 50/50 draw, food, raffles and sponsors for the walk. We are still collecting money and still accepting donations. Thank you for your support and keep visiting our site for updates, as we will keep you informed as to where the money was used to do the most good. Also, any suggestions for next year would be greatly appreciated.

Judy and Robert Dunn
Brenda and Lindsay Balinski

Thank you to the following companies who supported us at our event

• Cropo Funeral Chapel
• Beausejour Co-op
• Safeway at Regent
• matt@vantagestudios.ca
• Schreimers
• Twilight Productions
• Oakbank Family Fare
• Kinsmen
• NEHA EMS
• Oakbank Insurance
• Sobeys @ Regent

and a Special Thank You to our emcee, Ace Burpee from Hot 103 for kicking off this event and Matt Vickers for updating and creating our website.

Thank you to our advertisers, CTV, CJOB and Hot 103, The Clipper and The Review

Another Special Thank you goes out to Ryan Crocker for covering our story with excellence and kudos to him on receiving 3 – 1^st place and 2 – 2^nd place awards on Saturday night (no surprise to us)

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, supporters and family, as we could not have done this without you

And most of all we would like to Thank Andrew for being there through out this entire process and for helping all of those that are suffering with depression.

We love and miss you!

Mom and Robert, and Brenda, Tony & family

This Mother’s Day, the first annual Andrew Dunn Memorial Walk/Run will be held in Birds Hill Provincial Park. Participants will take on a 1 - 5 km course by foot, bicycle or even horse during this event. Our goal is to raise money for research, alternative treatments, individual and family support groups - as well as education and awareness to end the stigma of mental illness. Each step helping us get closer to better managing this disease – “Depression”

If you are interested in supporting this important cause please contact Brenda Balinski @ 444-5771, e-mail balinski@mts.net, or Judy Dunn at 444-3536 for more information and sponsor sheets.

A mental illness is a disorder of the brain that results in a disruption in a person’s thinking, feeling, moods, and ability to relate to others.

Why we need to do something about it:

• Teenage suicide in Canada is an epidemic that we need to take very seriously.
• Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people after motor vehicle accidents?
• Teen/youth suicides have tripled since 1970?
• Only 33-55% of teens were identified by their doctors as having a mental illness at the time of their death.
• Only 15% of suicide victims were in treatment at the time of their death.
• 11 Canadians die of suicide daily

The World Health Organization recently identified that by the year 2020 depression will be the second most common disease in the world. Regrettably, not enough preventive measures have been taken in Canada.

What can we do?

We need to raise money for mental health research and alternative treatments, individual, group and family support groups - as well as education and awareness to end the stigma of mental illness. Approximately, only 2 per cent of the overall health budget is invested in the mental health of Manitobans and we believe that’s simply not enough, as 1 out 5 will suffer from depression or a mental illness in their life time and one third will actually go for treatment successfully, but because of the stigma most will not actually seek help. The stats are closer to one in three.

Our goal:

To raise funding which will enable us to someday run a freestanding Mental Health Facility to treat inpatient/outpatients at all times. Here we will treat, educate and support them. Please check out “The Kelty Foundation” site in Whistler, BC as they have raised 2.4 million in only 5 1/2 years and they have accomplished this goal, as well as, donated money to research and education.

Please listen to CJOB “Up Close and Personal” April 25, 2007 between 11:00 - noon. As well, please watch for us on CTV “Manitoba Moments”. Please see the our enclosed story from The Review “Continuing the battle” March 23, 2007, as well, please look for us in an upcoming Clipper and on various television and radio stations community events.