Ja'red here!

It is truly an honor to participate and be a part of such an event as this with such tremendous meaningfulness. This auspicious occasion provides a platform for awareness of mental health that [at times] seemingly is downplayed, placed on the sidelines or pushed aside. Whether it be though misunderstanding, intolerance, misguidedness, ignorance, and even shame...Mental Health is real being experienced in various measures and degrees. Mental Health is defined as "our state of well being”, which includes our behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social state and well-being.

In 2006, the loss of my sister-in-law was a pivotal moment as she was the first immediate family member to pass away. Inevitably thinking to myself "I do not deal well with death" I found ways to keep busy and occupy my mind to refrain from dwelling on the loss. Then fast-forward to December 2016, my aunt passed away [from a series of health issues including being overtaken by Alzheimer's]. Another death came shockingly in April 2017, as one of my cousins encountered a massive heart-attack; and most recently with the death of my mother in June 2018. The despair felt like being a part of a movie where an individual is standing still and everyone/everything flashing by rapidly.

When some people hear the words Mental Health, they [may] often think only of mental illness or lack thereof. Thinking positively of mental health encompasses much more than that, and is actually a separate measure altogether. Dealing with lack of focus, motivation, insomnia and mild depression it became apparent that my own mental state was altered after the series of deaths. Having coming across an advertisement for One Brave Night, it was then my mother's request that I continue singing resonated within me. As a part of my healing process, Ladies, Gentleman, Family and Friends...I am now able to "Breathe"

On Friday, May 10th, I’m showcasing my hidden talent in support of mental health!

CAMH One Brave Night is a chance to share a piece of myself with the world for a great cause. I am excited (and a bit nervous!) to express my passion and creativity, so we can inspire hope for the one in five Canadians who experience mental illness every year.

Please donate today and help me reach my fundraising goal.

Together we will break down stigma, fund innovative research, and provide access to new and promising treatments for people living with mental illness.