Rochesterians Turn Out in Dreary Weather to Show Support for 11th Annual NAMI Walk

BY JODY LYNN GREER

The mental health battle is one that no one should ever have to ght alone. On May 20th, hundreds of people came out for the 11h annual NAMI walk in Rochester, NY. Americans have recognized May as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949. e National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is recognized for its motto that “It’s now how far we walk, but how far we’ve come.”

7-800 Rochesterians turned out in the rainy weather to walk the route through the Neighborhood of the Arts to show support and let those struggling with mental health issues know they do not have to su er in silence. Local businesses and organizations such as Wegmans, the University of Rochester, Villa of Hope, Excellus BCBS, and Everyone Needs a Little Assistance Sometimes (ENALAS) sponsored May’s NAMI event, and many other sponsors attended to extend their support.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, the infectious enthusiasm of the day’s event le participants in good spirits. e path to wellness starts with community engagement and NAMI is just one of the local organizations in our community making an impact in e ort to expand the dialogue about mental well-being.

NAMI CEO Kristina Mossgraber says, “It’s important to talk about mental health because that’s how we’re going to break down the stigma. e reality is we are hearing about mental health more than ever but that’s where the opportunity comes to have those conversations. It o ers teachable moments to people and to challenge that stigma.”

According to Mossgraber, the purpose of organizations such as NAMI is multi-faceted. Local people in the community regardless of insurance or nancial status can reap the bene ts of their programs. She says, “We o er classes at no cost, we do yoga, journaling, and vision board is year’s walk marks a particularly momentous milestone in the ongoing nationwide discussion to raise mental health awareness. In 2023, Americans continue to navigate an insecure economy, rising gun violence, as well as a divided nation. Many believe America has a signi cant mental health crisis. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are increasingly common and becoming less stigmatized, but Americans are still hesitant to get support when they may need it the most. Whether social stigma, lack of information, or nancial resources is the culprit, the dialogue surrounding mental health is o en considered complex terrain.

According to NAMI.org, an estimated one in ve Americans currently struggle with mental illness in the United States. Mental illness a ects Americans from every race, nancial status, and background. It does not discern between the poor and uninsured or the nancially sound. At some point in their lives, most, if not all, Americans will either struggle with a mental health issue or know a loved one who has. By breaking down common perceptions and stereotypes about mental illness as a community, we promote opportunities to overcome the American mental health crisis together. Organizations such as NAMI are a valuable lifeline to those who need it most. And when they combine with community involvement, they strengthen the ght to combat mental illness.

To explore volunteer opportunities or to nd more information about NAMI and other local mental health programs, visit namiroc.org, www. villao ope.org, suicidepreventioncoalition.org, or stopthestigmaroc. org. Let’s help destigmatize mental health concerns.

Mary Yvonne Bryant May 23, 2023

Wayland, NY – Petersham, MA: Mary Yvonne Bryant died peacefully at home after a long life and short illness surrounded by her children on May 23, 2023 at the spry age of 94.

Yvonne was a devoted and supportive mother who always knew just what to say in any circumstance. Her family, friends and anyone who met her will miss her warmth and charm. She worked at the former UTD where she met and fell for Stuart Bryant. ey were married July 26, 1952 in Athol, MA and celebrated over 41 years together prior to Stuart passing away in May of 1993. While raising her family she waitressed for many years at the Fox Run Restaurant.Later she owned and operated “Bryant Realty”while caring for her ailing husband. She was a devout Catholic, talented artisan and an enthusiastic card shark!

Yvonne lived most of her life in Massachusetts and in 2014 she moved to Wayland. Her children would like to thank the special ladies from the Wayland area who welcomed her with open arms at the age of 86. While in Wayland she was very active at the Wayland Free Library and their di erent programs that included Bone Builders, Book Club and Trust in the Lives of Older Women. She enjoyed exercising, reading and sewing.

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Roseanna (Arsenault) Labrie; her husband, Stuart Bryant; her siblings, Paul, Zenon, Romeo and Edgar Labrie, Emelda Luippold and Bernadette Chaisson.

Yvonne was Mom to Mary (Scott) Brown, Michael (Marlise) Bryant, Joan Dubrule (David Stiles) and Patricia (Daniel) Stephens; Gramma to Kevin Dubrule (Jaime Page), Alex (Katie) Bryant, Kyle (Jamie) Stephens, Leah (Lance) Ratchford, Makela Brown (Alex DeLorenzo) and Parker Brown; GiGi to Bentley, Indie, Nola Yvonne, Jalen and Jordan; Sister to Joseph (Ruth) Labrie; Sister-in-law to Ann Mayers and Marilyn Richardson; along with many many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Yvonne Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church, 206 Fremont St., Wayland. Interment took place at East Street Cemetery in Petersham, MA on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11am. Contributions in Mary Yvonne Bryant’s memory may be made to a charity that was very important to her, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a hospice facility in your area.

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