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Year End Fundraising Campaign

Giving Thanks

Dear ::subscriber.first_name::,

As Thanksgiving approaches I'd like to take a moment to share with you my gratitude for everyone who is a part of the JBRF family. JBRF is comprised of a special group of people who represent many different aspects of life with mental illness. We are a strong community of parents and patients who come together to break down the walls of isolation. JBRF's  researchers are pioneering new breakthroughs on Fear of Harm and its treatments. Our volunteers enrich our outreach with warmth, comfort, and acceptance. JBRF's network of professionals collaborate to bring recovery to those in need. Our staff strives tirelessly to make sure no one is without hope or feels alone on this journey. The JBRF family of donors make all of this possible, supporting a strong community that is making the world a better place. We can not thank you enough for walking this path with us.

While these past few years have been challenging, and the pandemic has brought its own difficulties, JBRF has pushed through. We have not only endured, but we have risen to the occasion and exceled in our ongoing quest to improve the lives of those living with Bipolar Disorder and Fear of Harm.

JBRF's successes in 2021 position us for an even better 2022.

JBRF Successes in 2021

Research:

• JBRF co-hosted a highly successful conference at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute where we brought together luminaries in the field of child psychiatry to discuss Fear of Harm's potential to be included in the DSM.
• Our sponsored research study at McClean Hospital (Harvard University Medical School) has continued through the pandemic and is yielding some incredibly exciting preliminary data.
• JBRF was just awarded a grant to begin an exciting new research study focusing on non-invasive non-pharmacological interventions for treating bipolar and Fear of Harm.

Education, Outreach, and Advocacy:

• Held more than 250 online support groups in 2021.
• JBRF has directly worked with more than 65 families in 2021, and has met with hundreds more, who are learning to cope with their child's bipolar and Fear of Harm disorders.
• Hosted the webinar: Back to School Essentials, where parents learned the fundamentals of helping their kids with mood disorders be successful in school.
• Developed hundreds of minutes of video education tools.
• Launched the JBRF School Advocacy Program, which works directly with families to provide support during the IEP request, development, implementation, and educational testing processes.
• Upcoming:
  • Webinar: Managing Behavioral Emergencies, November 16th, 7:30pm eastern time, parents and practitioners can get answers from an experienced paramedic about how to deescalate a crisis, how to stay safe, and when and how to call 911. Register Here
  • JBRF Community Briefing, December 15th, 7:30pm eastern time, join JBRF Research Director, Demitri Papolos, and Executive Director, Elizabeth Errico, who will report on JBRF's successful conference at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, discuss upcoming JBRF research projects and opportunities to participate, and answer questions in a live Q&A. Register Here

Collaboration:

• JBRF was the invited speaker at the Rutgers University Center of Neurologic & Psychiatric Pharmacy webinar on childhood onset bipolar disorder and its treatments.
• Participated as the featured guest for two webinars with the Youth Mental Health Project helping parents understand childhood onset bipolar disorder and the Fear of Harm diagnosis.
• Executive Director, Elizabeth Errico, was one of three panelists on a live Podcast with the Bipolar Support Club, sharing the stage with the Executive Directors of the International Bi-Polar Foundation, and Bipolar UK.

Fundraising:

• Ran a successful spring fundraising drive in honor of Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Fundraiser #CelebrateJBRFKids (thank you to everyone who participated!).
• Gratefully received a major gift which supports JBRF's education, outreach, and advocacy programming.

Again, thank you for the role you've played in our shared successes.

Please consider how a gift to JBRF during our upcoming 2021 Year End Fundraising campaign will keep all of us on the path to hope.

Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Best,

Product of the Month

November's Featured Product:

Fitbit Versa

We all know by now that in treating Fear of Harm tracking sleep is as important as keeping cool. Good quality sleep helps the body and brain get it's thermoregulatory system balanced, which is key to long term stability. Many of our JBRF families get the essential sleep data they need from the Fitbit Versa. The Versa pairs with an app collects data on light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and arousals/awakenings. It's an essential part of Fear of Harm treatment and a great present for the holidays!

25 year old FOH patient Chloe tell us how she uses her Fitbit Versa:

"I go over the data during my doctor's appointments, and the data directly correlates to my moods throughout the week. More awakenings equals poorer mood during the day. I like to check my app in the morning when I wake up so that I know what to expect for the day mood-wise. It allows me to understand what I need to correct with my cooling techniques and helps to provide a sense of control where sometimes there doesn't seem to be any."

JBRF supports children and families suffering from bipolar disorder and

Fear of Harm through research, education, and outreach.

Sent by ::organization::

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