Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/772020
S T O N E ' S J E W E L R Y 6881 Orchard Lake Rd. on the Boardwalk (248) 851-5030 www.stonesfi nejewelry.com 2137370 NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING DAILY February 1 – 26 | Detroit Opera House BroadwayInDetroit.com | 866 -870 -2717 Groups (12+): 313-871-1132 BEGINS IN 2 WEEKS! ©Disney 10 January 12 • 2017 jn views S tar Wars, a 40-year old movie franchise, is once again atop the box office charts. How do such movies have such staying power? Perhaps it is the cast of heroes with whom we can identify. From early protagonists like Luke, Leia and Han to newer characters like Rey and Jyn, we see flawed characters who overcome obstacles, display great bravery and make their world a better place. Of the many Star Wars heroes who graced the silver screen, one displayed the same characteristics in real life. For many, Carrie Fisher isn't just the brave, quick-witted and beautiful Princess Leia; for those of us facing mental health challenges or caring for someone impacted by them, Ms. Fisher is a real- life hero. Fisher, who passed away on Dec. 27 at age 60, may not have been the first celebrity to share her mental health and addiction struggles (many credit the late Patty Duke with this honor), but she certainly is one of the most important. Fisher was first diagnosed with a mental illness in her late 20s and struggled with this diagnosis for nearly a decade. At age 29, she "accepted the diagnosis" (as she put it) of bipolar disorder, a brain disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to perform day-to- day tasks. As explained by Joanne Doan, the publisher of BP Magazine, "Fisher has been groundbreak- ing for the bipolar community. She's inspired our community to be able to look in the mirror — free of this ridiculous shame and stigma that surrounds a chronic brain illness — and go out there and live fulfilling lives." Fisher was an advocate helping to fight the stigma of mental illness and, in doing so, changed the conver- sation as only a celebrity can do. She believed that embracing the seriousness of bipolar disorder and helping sufferers obtain quality care is the best way to fight the stigma. From co- founding Thalians, a group that has raised more than $30 mil- lion for mental health awareness and services, to leading book and speaking tours around the world focusing on the issue of stigma, Fisher dedicated much of her life to this mission. Fisher led the fight against stigma with humor and grace. These two powerful traits were evidenced in Fisher's book and film Postcards from the Edge and her one-woman show Wishful Drinking, each of which were viewed by millions of people. In my three years serving as the executive director of Kadima — an organization providing residential, clinical and enrich- ment services to people with mental health challenges — I have come to know many people who face the challenges of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression and sub- stance abuse. I've met their families and heard their tales of supporting their loved one. A common theme that runs through these stories is a sense of stigma. We, as a society (and as a Jewish community) do not stigmatize those with illnesses of the body such as cancer, MS, broken bones or the flu. But too many of us continue to marginalize, stigmatize or fail to understand those with psy- chological disabilities. For us, the loss of Carrie Fisher looms large. She was our advocate, our voice, our hero. We miss her — not the character she played on film, but Carrie Fisher … the person. But our New Hope is that the Force that led Carrie Fisher to bravely share her struggles and open the eyes of millions to the reality of mental illness will live on. May that Force be with us all. • Eric Adelman is executive director of Kadima. guest column May Carrie Fisher's Legacy Live On Eric Adelman Carrie Fish er