First Memorial Walk a Success!
“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
