For decades, this Transforming Lives recipient has been battling depression, psychosis and suicidality.  His drive and zeal pushed him to live a productive, meaningful life.  Now, this acclaimed author continues to write articles for major publications, while also serving the community as a mental health advocate and active community member.

As a child, she was taken from her biological First Nations parents during the “60’s scoop” and experienced childhood trauma from her early experiences.  Separated from her biological sister - the only family she had left - she struggled through severe bouts of depression and eating disorders, resulting in frequent hospitalization.

Through sheer will and determination, she overcame her turbulent past and furthered her education. She has since been an avid speaker and contributor to the First Nations community and has written in various publications.

He lost everything… and earned it all back.

After years of leading a “normal family life”, this former Bay Street professional lost everything due to a problem gambling addiction.  Losing his family’s trust, with no place to call home, no money, and very little hope, he's worked his way back to respectability. 

Now he’s a vocal community leader, an excellent public speaker, and is once again involved in his children’s lives.

Despite a healthy childhood, this recipient experienced the constant buzzing in his head during his teenage years, which developed into destructive voices. After lengthy periods of hospitalization and various forms of treatment, the schizophrenia that drastically altered his life was under control.

Today he is healthy and helping others as a peer support worker.

During her youth, she endured periods of anxiety, depression, and self harm, and eventually diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Bipolar I Disorder at the age of 15. She gravitated towards street and prescription drug abuse, leading to a deterioration of her family relationships, her education, and her health. After suffering from a seizure, she knew she had to turn her life around.

Now 21 years old, with the help of caring physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and supportive family and friends, she is an active volunteer with CAMH, with plans to become a youth therapist.