What motivates you to make a difference? What moves you to pay attention to your mind and body?

Join me in supporting the change we need to see in the world. We need to openly and candidly talk about our mental health. We need to overcome the fear of asking for and seeking help. We must change perceptions and opinions about mental health, which is as important as physical health. We need to share our stories of hope, promise and recovery.

When my sister Kelly died in 2011, she moved me to dedicate the rest of my life to advocating for mental health and wellness. I am thrilled to be serving as chairwoman of the Mental Health Connecticut Board of Directors.

I do hope you will find it in your heart to contribute to my fundraising campaign through Mental Health Connecticut's #Be1in110 Campaign. During 2018, our goal is to raise $110,000 as part of our 110th anniversary celebration.

A small donation, such as $10 or $20 a month, will go so far to support Mental Health Connecticut and its essential health and wellness programs.

#Be1of110 Champion Spotlight: Kim Sirois Pita

MHC Board Chair; Executive Committee & Development Committee

Kim is a writer, a marketer, a mother of two, a philanthropist, a volunteer and an advocate for mental health awareness. "I ran a well-respected marketing and digital agency for 17 years before flipping my life upside down and inside out with a divorce and departure from my business. I have redesigned my life to be as I always imagined with a balance of philanthropic work and my strategic marketing consultancy, Pita Peaces, focused on elevating non-profits and family businesses from chaos and uncertainty to harmony and prominence."

"To de-stress my harried brain every night before I fall asleep, I listen to a collection of Pink Floyd songs and play several rounds of Candy Crush."

Kim shares, "mental illness scared me for a long, long time. It can mess up lives and families and communities, especially when untreated, misdiagnosed or ignored. My fears now fuel my desire to change perceptions, behaviors and actions across our country. It is my chance to help replace ignorance and false perceptions with truth, advocacy and mental health awareness.

My sister was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her early 20's, after suffering the devastating effects of post traumatic stress disorder following a car accident senior year in high school."

When her sister Kelly died in 2011 of a drug addiction, Kim was moved to dedicate the rest of her life to advocating for mental health and wellness. "Her death, while tragic, has taught me as much about her, as it has about myself, getting to the other side of loss. Our memoir, Split Endz: A Tale of 2 Crazy Sisters is set to publish in early 2019.

#WhatMovesYou? "We need to openly and candidly talk about our mental health. We need to overcome the fear of asking for and seeking help. We must change perceptions and opinions about mental health, which is as important as physical health. We need to share our stories of hope, promise and recovery. This drives me to be part of the Mental Health Connecticut #Be1of110 movement."

"Anytime I can get outside in nature to move, hike, walk or golf is a success story. Motivating my body to move is never an easy task. But once I get out there it is amazing how the open air can clear my mind, soothe my soul and do things for my body. I was thrilled to participate for a second year in the Hartford Marathon Charity 5K event and I have completed the Warrior Dash twice, which was a major feat through mud, fire and tough obstacles."

One of Kim's favorite quotes from Mark Twain: "Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." "I live to laugh and make others laugh with me. It make life so much more enjoyable and is blessing to our mental health."