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Yogathon benefits Schizophrenia Society of Ontario by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Thursday, February 25, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The last time Amy (not her real name) saw her estranged brother was seven years ago. He was walking alone along a street in Toronto. A few years before, she had spotted him in a store and tried to talk to him, but he had just walked away. "That was probably his illness, I don't even know if he recognized me or not," said Amy, who noted she believes her sibling has been living on the streets of Toronto for 20 years, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Amy, a former Oakville resident, who now lives in Toronto, said she suspects her brother had schizophrenia long before he was diagnosed and on the streets. As he was living on his own, she said her family didn't really know what was going on with him until his mental health had deteriorated significantly. Unable to help Unable to get him the help he needed, she's turned to helping other families dealing with schizophrenia, which is a serious mental illness that affects 300,000 Canadians. For the last 11 years, Amy has been participating in the Schizophrenia Society Mary Alberti of Ontario's (SSO) annual Peace of Minds Yogathon. This year's edition is to take place this Saturday (Feb. 27) at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, 124 Dorval Dr., from 9 It helps me to have my own peace of mind within my family to help other families. It really does give you peace of mind and a feeling of being grounded and centred. There's always going to be all kinds of stress in your life, so it helps you to come back to your centre. yogathon participant and yoga instructor together through physical activity while highlighting the importance of physical activity and mental health. "The yogathon is one of SSO's signature events that bridges the gap between physical and mental health," stated Mary Alberti, CEO of SSO in a press release. Yogathon began in Oakville "The Peace of Minds Yogathon began in Oakville, with the community being instrumental in the work we do. We are proud to bring it back for another year," said Alberti. Amy has raised more than $30,000 for SSO as she participates to honour her brother and help others. "It helps me to have my own peace of mind within my family to help other families," said, Amy, who is a yoga instructor and believes the activity helps her keep balance in her life. "It really does give you peace of mind and a feeling of being grounded and centred. There's always going to be all kinds of stress in your life, so it helps you to come back to your centre," she said. Schizophrenia, said Amy, is "devastating for people who have family members afflicted with it." For more information and to register for the upcoming fundraiser, visit www. peaceofmindsyogathon.ca. Amy a.m.-4 p.m. Amy will be among a number of pledged participants attending up to six classes or taking part in an entire day of yoga for all skill levels. Funds support SSO programs and services Funds raised go towards SSO support services and education, awareness and advocacy efforts to help improve the lives of people living with schizophrenia and their families. Organizers say the yogathon brings people NEW YEAR NEW SALE 490 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE KDESIGNCABINETRY.COM 905.339.2223