By Leslie Church
A Wheatfield family struck by a recent tragedy is turning their pain into positive thinking.
Brian and Denise Skrzypek and their son Jaimie lost son and brother Joshua Adam Skrzypek to suicide in January. Joshua, who was 21 years old, suffered the debilitating ups and downs of bipolar disorder.
A benefit held in his honor on Saturday will not only pay tribute to Joshua’s life, but aim to improve the lives of others who face similar issues. “Josh’s Journey” will be held in the Frontier Fire Hall in Wheatfield from 4 to 9 p.m.
“We want to increase public awareness of mental illness and also focus on educating the community, eliminating or at least reducing significantly the stigma attached to mental illness,” Denise said.
Along with information on mental health issues and treatment, the benefit will feature live music, a clown and face painting, a live auction of popular sports memorabilia, a basket raffle, cash bar, and plenty of food.
“Everybody will be pleasantly entertained and well-fed,” she said.
The $20 donation will benefit the foundation that the Skrzypek family started a few weeks after Josh’s passing. It’s officially called Josh’s Journey: A Foundation of Hope.
The foundation strives to better the lives of those struggling with mental illness, particularly through education, erasing stigma, and fighting for legislation that will benefit health and wellness of mental illness sufferers.
This is the kickoff benefit for the foundation, but the family anticipates it being the first of many opportunities to raise money and awareness through Josh’s story. They are also gathering a team to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk — a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in September.
The tremendous support from the local community with donations both private and corporate to the Josh’s Journey foundation has been a welcome blessing to the Skrzypek family, Denise said.
“It’s definitely what we need to do so we can increase social acceptance in our community.”
If you go
• WHAT: Josh’s Journey benefit
• WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday
• WHERE: Frontier Fire Hall, 2176 Liberty Drive, Wheatfield
• TICKETS: $20, free for children under 10
• INFO: www.joshsjourney.com
