BC Schizophrenia Founders Award Recipient 2005: In recognition of outstanding service and dedication.

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My sister, Marilyn passed away in November 2022. In her will she left a generous donation to the BC Schizophrenia Society. It was her wish this money from her Estate be used to improve frontline services.

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Marilyn was an accomplished Registered Nurse. She developed her caregiver skills as the oldest daughter looking over seven brothers and one very much younger sister. Unfortunately, as is the case in many families, two of her brothers were diagnosed with schizophrenia in their early adult lives. Marilyn then spent the rest of her life, decades in fact fighting for the rights and better services for those living with schizophrenia. She was the ultimate advocate. Never tiring, never relenting in the push for better outcomes.

Marilyn was part of advisory boards and attended conferences. She fought for better diagnosis, medications, supportive housing, better services and more help for Outreach Teams. All of this work while living in Victoria and having two brothers in need in Vancouver and Kelowna. Marilyn’s work in this area began in the 1960’s and continued up until her passing.

Marilyn’s dedication and sacrifice is important. She and all the other family members and volunteers in this battle need to be acknowledged and celebrated. God knows where we would all be without them. At the end of Marilyn’s journey, she felt it was important to leave something to BCSS so this important work can continue.

What we have learned as a family is effort counts, giving makes a difference. If anyone out there feels this way consider making a similar gift to the BC Schizophrenia Society. Let’s face it, in the end all of our journeys will conclude. And then it won’t be so much what we said in our lives as it will be about the things we did in our lives. Every act of giving makes a difference.

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