SMA Foundation Autumn 2012 eNewsletter

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Anthony Bellizio

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Nov 21, 2012, 10:05:25 AM11/21/12
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www.smafoundation.com ~ 214 Loomis Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 ~ P (386) 254-1136 F (386) 947-1343 # Thanksgiving is a word that appears before the word “Thanksgiving Day” and after “thanksgiver” in the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary online. One of the definitions of the word is “a prayer expressing gratitude”. No matter in what language you speak, you can always take a break from your daily life to give thanks. One of the beautiful things about the Thanksgiving holiday is that it gives us a specific time to reflect on the wonderful blessings we all enjoy. While we may not have as many things as other people have, we can all be thankful for friends and family who love us and the life God has given us. The SMA Foundation is taking that break to thank the community for the support we have received. Donations of time, talent, and financial donations are all greatly appreciated by the entire SMABH family. Please read this Thanksgiving Day prayer as it is relevant to the work we do: Thank You... Help Me Thanksgiving Day Prayer O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless; When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all; When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer, And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency; bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to help; By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen. ~ Samuel F. Pugh Hank and Susan Ashby started the Jay’s Hope Fund in 2010 in honor of their son Jay, who took his own life after suffering from mental illness. The Jay’s Hope Fund was established to help individuals and families who suffer from mental illness. The fund has raised over $20,000, with assistance from it’s annual Thanksgiving Jay’s Hope Bouquet fundraiser which just finished its second year. The goal of the Ashby’s and of the Jay’s Hope Fund is to reduce the negative stigmas associated with mental illness and to prevent future tragedies, such as Jay’s, from occurring. The Ashby’s emulate the theme of the season and are giving back to a community that all-to-often have backs turned against them. Hope blossoms! Hank and Susan Ashby In September 2012, a collaborative effort was established with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Dr. Deborah Beidel, Director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and a Psychology Professor at UCF’s Department of Psychology is conducting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research and treatment for veterans using the virtual reality (VR) system at SMA. The VR system is also being utilized by the University of Florida for research and by SMA for substance abuse Recovery Training. SMA has veterans being treated for substance abuse who may be experiencing PTSD symptoms that are not adequately addressed. Conversely, UCF is treating veterans for PTSD who may need treatment for addiction. Dr. Sandra Neer, Research Coordinator/licensed clinical psychologist and Dr. Jessica Waesche, Researcher and Adjunct Instructor at UCF’s Department of Psychology are also involved in this collaboration. Virtual Reality Update
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