Hemingway Documentary Starts Conversation

Countless people who had been touched by mental illness or suicide came together to start a conversation last week. In partnership, Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater and The Kim Foundation hosted a special screening of Mariel Hemingway’s documentary Running From Crazy. The candid documentary takes viewers into the private family life of the world famous Hemingway clan. A family ravished by mental illness, substance abuse and suicide, Mariel walks the audience through her personal journey to recovery and wellness.

The sold-out showing was followed by a panel discussion consisting of a survivor of suicide, a suicide attempt survivor and a mental health expert. Moderated by, Erin Grace with the Omaha World Herald, the audience had the opportunity to share their stories and ask the panelists questions. The conversation varied from topics such as peer support programs, LB923, Veteran suicide, to how and when to explain death by suicide to a child. The panel did a phenomenal job answering some very difficult questions.

The Kim Foundation had a table full of free mental health information, as well as a list of community resources available for guests. People also had the opportunity to purchase Mariel’s latest book Running With Nature as well as reserve their seats at our upcoming A Time For Hope & Healing Luncheon with Mariel Hemingway on October 22nd at Embassy Suites in La Vista.

I was absolutely blown away by the outpouring of support from the community. It’s obvious that mental health and suicide are issues that are lying heavily on many people’s hearts. These are topics that are often uncomfortable to talk about, but the more we do talk openly, the more comfortable we will all become. With each conversation, we fight the stigma, one word at a time.

About Jill Sauser, The Kim Foundation Project Coordinator

Jill has a B.S. in Journalism (PR/Advertising) and a Minor in Speech Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During her time at UNO, she completed a two year PR practicum program where she worked with numerous nonprofit clients including the MS Society, The Archdiocese of Omaha, The Omaha Food Bank and YWCA. Jill joined The Kim Foundation as Project Coordinator in April of 2014.