SHARING THE HOPE, SHARING THE HEALING

HIKE IT/BIKE IT

A JOURNEY TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

"I AM ONE OF THEM"

May 16 to May 27, 2002

MILWAUKEE, WI to PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI

SR. ANN CATHERINE - TIFFANY KOEHLER

WHY THE HIKE IT/BIKE IT JOURNEY -

On April 22, 2001, Meg Kissinger, award-winning journalist of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, wrote an article about Sr. Ann Catherine. Tiffany Koehler, who was part of the interview, also has her own story to share with others.

"She's spent four decades serving others. Now Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler reveals what it was like to work with her toughest mental patient. HERSELF."

Since that time, Sr. Ann Catherine has received 100's of letters, calls, e-mails thanking her for sharing her story - not that her story was so unique, but that she had the courage to share it. Over and over she heard, "That's my story with some of the events just a little different, but with my feelings, hopes, etc." Many of these people had lived a very secret life, always afraid someone would find out about their illness. Some refused to get treatment because they thought others would think badly of them, would turn against them, and possibly would institutionalize them. Most of the people did not realize that so many people do care about persons who are sick and do have a brain disease (mental illness). One out of very four people is affected by mental illness, an illness that is relatively easy to treat after a correct diagnosis is made.

PURPOSE OF THE JOURNEY:

To raise awareness that most people living with mental illnesses (brain diseases) such as bipolar disease, schizophrenia, major depression, schizoaffective disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD are being treated appropriately. For example, we are taking our medications, seeing our doctor, involved with faith based communities and are very active in society. We are successfully living fulfilling lives, contributing to all areas of our community. It seems that people who are living successfully with their mental illness have accepted that they do have an illness, take responsibility for their lives and behavior and live in the NOW - today.

As we hike it/bike it across the State, we will be talking with individuals we meet, we hope to be invited to speak to groups, we will be giving out appropriate literature regarding mental illness, it's accurate diagnosis, treatment and holistic care. We will be sharing our own story as we are invited. We will be wearing pins saying, "I AM ONE OF THEM."

We hope to have many supporters hike it/bike it with us - whether it be 100 miles, 10 miles or one block - people who have an illness, family members, professionals, friends - ANYONE!

We hope that many people will share their own story with us.

For further information, please contact:

Sr. Ann Catherine/Tiffany Koehler
C/O Mental Health Association
734 N. 4th St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-318-9522 / 414-333-8455
i.am.one.of.them@att.net or tlkoehler33@msn.com

LOGISTICS OF THE HIKE IT/BIKE IT JOURNEY:

Again, the most important purpose of the HIKE IT/BIKE IT JOURNEY is to increase awareness. However, if after all expenses are paid, and there are unspent donations, that money will go to organizations known for their empowerment of individuals who have mental illness.

To decrease expenses of the walk, the following will be done:

- Lodging each evening will be at homes where we are invited.

- Water, meals along the way will be taken as given to us.

- Free space has already been donated by the United Seniors of WI as our headquarters (located at 45th and Forest Home Ave). Mrs. Dorothy Seeley, president of the organization, is committed to serving the needs of all people.

- Mental Health Association will be linking us up with their various sites across the State.

- Harley Davison bikers will assist us.

- Any agency or person interested in persons with mental illness can contact us to offer support.

• Kathie Eilers, Adm. of the MCBHD is supportive.
• WOKY will give us airtime the 2nd Friday of May at 8am to promote the walk.
• May 11, 2002 - Attending MHA dinner at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel (Call the Mental Health Association at 276-3122 for further information
• May 13, 2002 - Speaking at the DMDA meeting and supper at 6pm at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, 1916 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa
• May 14, 2002 - Appearing on Channel 6 at 8am to discuss the walk

• 7:45 am - Service at Cathedral of St. John, respecting the importance of the Faith Community A light breakfast will be served for all attending the Mass.
• 9:00am to 10:00am - Gather at Juneau Park in front of the War Memorial.
• 10:00am - Start Walk at War Memorial, respecting our many friends of Our Armed Services. Will walk down Wisconsin Ave, then Bluemound Road to Waukesha.
• 11:00am - MHA will join us at 4th and Wisconsin - they will have bottled water for walkers.
• 12:00noon - Light lunch and presentation at the American Red Cross Headquarters - 26th & Wisconsin Ave.

• 9:00am - Attend Children’s Mass at St. Mary’s.
• Accepting speaking and meeting invitations.

• 8:00am - Attend Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish.

• 5:00pm - Attend service at Galilee Lutheran Church followed by reception with church members and guests.

• On to Madison via Hwy 18 with stops in Wales, Dousman, Jefferson and ?
• Arrive in Madison at 5:00pm

• Meet with our legislators, mental health officials & organizations in Madison. Mental Health Association & State Representative Tim Carpenter making arrangements.

• Attend Gathering in Madison in am.

• Continue to Hike It/Bike It to Prairie du Chien via Hwy 18.
• Stops in Mt. Horeb, Barneveld, Dodgeville, Montfort, Mount Hope & where invited.

• 12:00noon - Arrive in Prairie du Chien.

May 26, 2002 (Prairie Du Chien)

• 11:00am - picnic in Villa Louis Park (Pot Luck), an American tradition.
• 4:00pm - Return to Milwaukee by Car.

• am - Attending Memorial Day celebrations in honor of our Veterans.
• 10:30am - Bay View Post #180 - Attend Memorial Day Service and Lunch (2760 S. KK Ave.)

• Soak our feet, get a good foot massage and start sending out lots of THANK YOU'S to all who have made this enriching event so special!!!
• Praise God & continue on our Journey of life!!!

• Participate in Compassion Walk at Hart Park sponsored by NAMI Greater Milwaukee.

Click here to read an excerpt from the June 2002 issue of Cornucopia.

  Click here to view photo album.