*** MEDIA ALERT ***

Local Author and Daughter Featured in New Anthology,“Voices of Bipolar Disorder”
--Upcoming Reading at National Alliance on Mental Illness Meeting in Redding—





WHAT: LaChance Publishing announced today the release of Voices of Bipolar Disorder: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength. With a forward by the creators and cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal, a play that explores the challenges faced by those with the disorder, this new anthology is the first-of-its-kind publication to openly share the experiences of some of the approximately 1-2 percent of the people in the U.S. that suffer with bipolar disorder.

The eighth in a series of books that brings to light the real-life accounts of those living with chronic illnesses, Voices of Bipolar Disorder is intended to provide support and comfort to those living with the disease and those who care for them.

The anthology includes more than 34 stories of parents, spouses, children and loved ones who have flet the impact of the disease. These tales of courage, strength and compassion offer insight into the challenges of living day by day with the disorder and the terrible isolation experienced by its victims , but most importantly, the writers’ hopes for the future and the strength of the human spirit.

WHO: Local author Jamie Weill says, "My daughter, Amanda, and I believe the best way we can bust stigma and help other families dealing with brain disease is to share our story. We hope that through our story others will find inspiration and know they are not alone. And, honestly, the best pathway we have found to recovery is in looking outside our own internal chaos and serving others."

Diana Clayton, NAMI President – Redding, "The membership is so excited to have Jamie Weil come to our February 1 meeting, tell her story to the group and sign books. Talking openly and honestly about mental illness helps to erase stigma and discrimination which is a giant barrier that gets in the way for finding early treatment."

SPECIFICS: Redding National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meeting
Monday, February 1, 2010
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Northern Valley Catholic Social Service
2400 Washington Street, Redding

CONTACT:
For more information, contact Jamie Weil at jamie@jamieweil.net or Diana Clayton, President, NAMI Redding at Dianaeclayton@aol.com