So here we go! it is 9/06/2014 and I am starting my first ever blog! Since this is my first you'll have to bare with me on the grammar side of things as well as the content side, but I can promise you that my heart is in the right place and I will do whatever it takes to eliminate the mental health stigma! Please stay tuned for more Mental Health posts from myself as well as a few other teen contributors. Those people will be announced at a later date. If you are interested in becoming a teen contributor feel free to email me at robhaberman@teamrecovery.org I will try to post as often as possible but as we all know that isn't always possible. Thank you in advanced for your support and kind words!


 
RH

For those people who don't know who Kirk and Laura Smalley are I will explain. They are two of the most loving, caring and dedicated human beings that I have ever met. I first met Kirk in April of 2012 when he came to speak when I was in inpatient treatment. Needless to say, his presentation was phenomonal and had everyone in tears.  I would have never guessed that I could partner with him 2 years later! On another note, I have always believed in the idea that with great tragedy comes great change. That is the case 100% when you hear the story of Kirk and Laura.

In May of 2010 the Smalleys had a great tragedy, that would change the rest of their lives, happen. Their son Ty had taken his own life due to bullying. But like I said earlier, with great tragedy, comes great change. From that day forward Ty's parents made it their life to stop bullying FOREVER! Kirk decided to start a movement called Stand for the Silent. A revoutionary Non-Profit movement to put an end to bullying because they didn't want for any other family to have to loose their baby to bullying. 

Now, four years later they are internationally known for their efforts and parts in the 2011 documentary "Bully". As of May 22nd, 2014 Kirk has spread his message to 890 schools and 904,000 kids! 

The purpose of this post was to show that no matter what happens in life, things do get better! Kirk and Laura are huge role models of mine and has been a pleasure meeting and working with them so far!     

-RH