NAMI has been an instrumental part of my becoming who I am today. September of 2008, after 40 years of an unfulfilling marriage, I finally received the answer for the challenges I have experienced with my husband. It was like a light bulb for me that went on; and that enlightenment happened as I participated in the Family to Family class and recognized the presence of mental illness. It has not been an easy journey even with that knowledge, but at least I understand. Since that time I have been involved for two years in raising funds for the NAMI Kansas Walk and have brought in between $500 and $900 each year from my own efforts. I accepted the position of Community Communications Coordinator for Wichita NAMI and am in my second year of service. In that role I have distributed over 1,500 rack cards/posters to over 50 mental health agencies in the area. I also co-presented NAMI's supportive role to over 270 USD 259 school professionals. NAMI is available to provide support to both family members and the consumers who struggle with mental illness. I am most grateful for exposure to this valuable nonprofit public service organization.