Founder’s Introduction,
June 24, 2015
My mother Hope suffered from depression for most of her late adult life. My sisters, father and I witnessed decades of misdiagnosis, trials of medication, troublesome side effects and the psychic pain and life-sapping loss of energy that is a mark of clinical depression.
When she passed away in December 2005, I vowed that I would do all in my power to help conquer this dreaded illness. That was the spark that started HDRF and led me on an incredible journey.
Since I founded HDRF in 2006, I have been moved by the touching stories people have shared with me about their own experience with depression. In talking with so many people and hearing about their situations, I’ve come to realize the strength of our shared experience. These stories—your stories– drive the work of HDRF and give meaning to our scientific research.
Today we will be starting a blog, to not only update our supporters on HDRF’s research and depression in the news, but to share the testimonials of the people living with depression that we encounter through our work. These personal accounts will highlight the need for advanced research into new and innovative treatments to help the millions of Americans impacted by depression each year.
Although doctors couldn’t find a cure for my mother’s psychic pain in her lifetime, I feel confident that with the progressive direction of our research and the encouragement of “out-of-the-box” scientific thinking, in my lifetime we will make significant strides, providing hope and help to everyone who is touched by depression.