The JCK Foundation was created in memory to our friend John Cleaver Kelly to raise public awareness about the paralyzing effects of the brain disorder known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Although John struggled with his disease, he helped and inspired a whole community. We will reach out to individuals and groups through lectures,social media and fundraisers for OCD research. Through a compassionate and accurate description of OCD we hope to erase the stigma and complacent attitude about OCD which is currently portrayed in the media. HISTORY
By sharing the personal story of one man's courageous battle with the disease, the JCK Foundation works to educate communities that OCD is more than an annoying habit, but a brain disorder that can consume an individual's thoughts, actions, and decisions. OCD is not a lifestyle that afflicted people chose. John (JCK) wanted more than anything to be free from the shackles of OCD. Our goal is to spread his story about how challenging living with OCD can be. We want those without a mental ailment to be compassionate, accepting and have a greater understanding of the struggle and suffering that occurs with OCD and other mental disorders We want to use John’s story to break the stigma and create freedom of expression for the OCD community. JOHN’S STORY
John Cleaver Kelly was a brilliant, caring, and fascinating human being. He traveled to China by himself. He was a philanthropist who drove around the country raising awareness about issues he cared deeply about such as Invisible Children. He was a loving brother and son. His friends adored and looked up to him. He was an honor student at a world renowned high school, and university. He loved playing sports and staying active. He also suffered from a debilitating case of OCD. John was able to accomplish so much while dealing with a personal demon. His closest friends and peers never knew the seriousness of John's pain until it was too late. At the young age of 24, John was driven to suicide by this invisible, and sometimes mentally paralyzing disease. It is in his memory that JCK Foundation is being created. For one with OCD or any sort of mental illness, daily living can seem like such a struggle at times. Many people who battle OCD and mental illness feel as if they are going at it alone. Our goal is to get those suffering help, and help them realize that they are not at all alone in this battle. As an OCD sufferer myself, John was constantly encouraging me through my own bouts, and would always make sure I was doing well. He inspired me, and was the reason I was able to get help and accept myself. When I realized I was not alone, and had John fighting side-by-side with me, it was an amazing feeling. Whenever I spoke to John he would ALWAYS tell me, to KEEP FIGHTING the FIGHT, and to never give up. I looked up to him, not only because I was three years younger, but because he helped teach me to accept myself. In John’s name, we are not going to give up until the world looks at OCD and mental illness differently. CURRENT ACHIEVMENTS
Since John’s death in March of 2011, our community of Dobbs Ferry, New York came together has raised over 20,000 dollars in John’s name which has been contributed to the International OCD Foundation. In May of 2012, the 23-minute documentary “Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die” was created, highlighting John’s incredible life, while spreading much needed awareness about OCD. It is a film that we believe changes the way the everyday person looks at OCD, and hopefully can inspire you to think differently about mental health and OCD. Please take 23 minutes to watch and share the film which will keep John’s legacy and our mission thriving. HEROES GET REMEBERED BUT LEGENDS NEVER DIE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDJGSHF6hJk
The common belief held in society is that OCD is some type of weird habit a lot of people deal with to relieve stress. Although cases and symptoms vary on a case by case basis, OCD is a mental disorder that can drive seemingly normal, and healthy people like John Kelly to a dark place. The JCK Foundation believes it is their mission to help educate people all over the world what they can do to help themselves, and the people closest to them cope with OCD. John inspires me everyday to keep fighting my OCD, and has gotten me through some of my toughest battles. We won’t stop until he inspires you too. NEVER GIVE UP. HOW YOU CAN HELP
Like our page, and spread the word to whomever you know. Awareness is so key! Notify us of community or college groups looking for an OCD presentation. Write personal stories about how OCD has affected you or your friends and family. Reach out to people who seem isolated and listen to their story
You can contact us at [email protected]
https://twitter.com/JCKFOUNDATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDJGSHF6hJk
NEVER GIVE UP!
