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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 21, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Hoping for more than a means to cope By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A reason to hope. The means to cope. That's the motto of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO), founded in 1979 by Oakville native Bill Jefferies and his wife Dorothy in a local church basement. The humble beginnings that stemmed from the fact that Bill had two brothers and a son with schizophrenia, led to the foundation of Friends of Schizophrenia and the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. It's fitting then, that after the SSO's regional office moved to HOME IMPROVEMENTS Products and Services from the Company You Trust® Oakville last year, its annual Walk of Hope is coming home this year, too. The walk, also taking place in 19 other Ontario communities, will begin in Coronation Park and wind its 5-km route to Bronte Village and back. It's billed the Shortest Walk for the Biggest Cause. That cause is, of course, fundraising to sustain education and support for families of those with schizophrenia. However, even more important, is any public education that may be achieved. That's because fighting the stigma of schizophrenia remains almost as formidable as finding a cure. Long-time Burlington resident "It's estimated that one in 12 hospital beds in Canada is occupied by someone who has schizophrenia." Lisa Cowley, regional co-ordinator Halton/Peel, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario Stan Pearce, who is assisting the SSO's Oakville-based Halton/Peel regional co-ordinator, Lisa Cowley, in organizing the walk, agrees. According to Pearce, there does, through medication and support from the SSO and broader community, exist today the means to cope with schizophrenia. However, it leaves much room for both hope for a cure -- and the elimination of stigma. For Pearce, whose wife and three sons travelled a long and painful journey as one of their sons was eventually diagnosed, treated and now lives with schizophrenia, there is treatment -- but it comes with a big quality of life price tag. Pearce's son, who left home after high school and didn't return until after several suicide attempts, much persuasion and many medications were tried, has numerous conditions including schizophrenia. The medication he takes, while expert installation CHRIS KORNACKI / OAKVILLE BEAVER FULL OF HOPE: Schizophrenia Society of Ontario Halton/Peel Regional Co-ordinator Lisa Cowley and parent Stan Pearce gear up for the Walk of Hope Sunday at Coronation Park. not making him suicidal, as did other medications tried early in his diagnosis, make him sleep a lot, rob him of motivation and without the capacity to hold down full-time work, according to his dad. Pearce hopes reduction or elimination of stigma, could see people with schizophrenia make gains as far as employment opportunities go. However, the reality is that denial is common among those with schizophrenia and their families, not to mention the general public, said Pearce. Families, like Pearce's, also go through a grieving process for their loved one -- grieving that doesn't end as happens in the case of a terminal illness, but continues as they watch the person they care about live a less than fulfilling lifestyle. According to the SSO, schizophrenia is a chronic and serious disease of the brain. It is a psychotic disorder, which involves a loss of contact with reality, altering how a person thinks and perceives the world, and consequently, their feelings and actions. Schizophrenia is twice as prevalent as Alzheimer Disease and six times as prevalent as insulin-dependent diabetes. Schizophrenia affects one in 100 people -- in Canada approximately 300,000 people live with the disease, 120,000 of them in Ontario. "It's estimated that one in 12 hospital beds in Canada is occupied by someone who has schizophrenia," said Cowley. The disease, usually begins when people are in their teens or early twenties, and is known as "youth's greatest disabler." It is often confused initially with teen angst and the time it takes to recognize, ALL installed 25-year shingles Choose from a wide variety of colours and styles. Fully transferable warranty; details in store. 10 off % No charge Low emissivity glass and argon gas With the purchase of $ ALL installed Weatherbeater entry doors $100 off single entry door. $175 off single entry door with 1 sidelight. $250 off single entry door with 2 sidelights or double door combination. 100-250 off Now featuring! 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Sears® is a registered Trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. MasterCard® is a registered Trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Colours® is a registered Trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada Look for the ENERGY STAR® logo on our products. It shows that the product meets ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency Offers end Fri., May 30, 2008, unless otherwise stated Sears will arrange installation by qualified contractors. Installation of window fashions and carpeting is extra. Offers do not apply to previously signed contracts. Not valid in conjunction with any other discount or promotion. Not available in all markets. 1-866-506-7779 Call now, toll free, for a no-obligation in-home estimate. Sears HomeCentral® just call: NE053H108 © 2008. Sears Canada Inc. See Searching page 19