There is a stigma against people who struggle with mental illness. Just the mention of mental illness often elicits silence and a sense of discomfort. This is not right. There is a scientific explanation for these illnesses and a cure, but a cure can only be applied with awareness and the commitment to break down the walls of stigma and fear. With your help, we can raise awareness and ensure that no one has to live in fear or confusion. It truly takes a community of caring individuals, and that is what we seek to create and support.

Project Channie is founded on the idea that new mothers who are going through difficult times, whether it's the baby blues or the more serious postpartum depression or psychosis, need supportive people around them who are aware of the illness. These potentially serious conditions are treatable as long as people who care are aware of them. We care.

The mission of Project Channie is threefold:

• First, we seek to raise awareness of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and suicide through the funding of grants to various organizations dedicated to helping those affected by the former and preventing the latter.
• Second, we plan to support those impacted by significant loss through undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
• Third, we are working to support new models for charitable distribution and raise awareness using social networking to extend the previous boundaries of fundraising and marketing.

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Postpartum Support International
• Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois