Stache it Away

My name is Vince Richard.

My fundraiser is to make a personal sacrifice to shave my moustache for Mental Health Awareness, especially for Schizophrenia.

I am a true believer that there is HOPE for those suffering from Schizophrenia. I have lived with Schizophrenia since I was 19, and now I am 60 years old!   Unfortunately it has not been an easy journey to recovery for me during my last episode.  However I am a survivor! I have had 3 major setbacks and every setback is more debilitating than the previous. This recent event has caused me some serious mental cognitive synapse disorders which I have been able to overcome, and I am improving every day. I thank all the good people in this world for the good work they can do.

I am appalled when the news media depict people living with schizophernia as a threat to society. Perhaps some that aren't treated with proper medications, or don't have the basic needs to live, are very compromised in this regard.

There are good success stories to be told too and no one hears about these.  I am one of these success stories, and I would like to be a model for others.

As Lady Gaga said in her Grammy speech for the movie A Star Is Born "If you see someone that's hurting don't look away.  If you're hurting, even though it may be hard, try to find the bravery within yourself to dive deep and go tell somebody"