Walking with Nathaniel South
My new pilgrimage will include stops at several Friends school (Wilmington, Baltimore, Sandy Spring, and Sidwell), The OCD Clinic @ John Hopkins University Hospital, The Behavioral Therapy Center of Greater Washington, The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The National Alliance of Mental Illness, The OCD Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Catholic University of America, and government offices on Capitol Hill. I will share Nathaniel’s story and raise awareness and funds for OCD/BDD as part of the International OCD Foundation’s 1000,000+ Steps 4 OCD Awareness Campaign.
1 Million + Steps 4 OCD Awareness 5K Walk
Denis is setting out on another pilgrimage, and we are inviting all of you to walk along — helping us raise money for the foundation, and more importantly, raising awareness about OCD and related disorders along the way. This year, we want to see how many million steps we can walk for OCD awareness together.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Jamaica Pond, Boston, MA
Denis, May God Bless you and your family. You are a wonderful father for contuing to take up this fight that took your child. I recently saw the movie The Way and I have added this walk to my bucket list. I pray I never have to walk it for the loss of one of my children however. I wish you all the best in raising awareness for this disorder. Keep on walking!!!
I saw your story on CNN.com and clicked thru to the site. This is a beautiful thing that you are doing. My heart goes out to you and your family. You took a tremendous journey and I know your son is looking down on you and smiling. From one Dad to another, You are a great father!!!
Peace, Love and Happiness to Your Family,
Shep
Very moving tribute to your son. I, too, have suffered with OCD and BDD for over 30 years now. I’m 47 and every day is a struggle. I”m very sorry for your loss
Hank
Your story caught my attention and touched me very much this morning – and my compassion for you and your family – what a brave and wonderful walk you are on in memory of your son, telling his story and educating about his illness! Your walk sounds healing not just for you and your family but for anyone that reads your story and blog about BDD – I just read about the illness and have more awareness and knowledge!
May peace and love be with you on your journey! May there be many acts of kindness and that your resilience gets stronger every day-I’m cheering you on, from Victoria, British Columbia Take care, Patricia
As a high school teacher who has worked with young folks with OCD and BDD, my heart goes out to you. Your loss is unfathomable and yet you go on. Bravo! If your journey raises awareness of the challenges individuals with OCD/BDD face just one bit, it will be an enormous contribution. I have a feeling it will do much more than that. Best to you and your family. Walking with you in Dallas, TX.
I have just finished reading about Nathaniel on CNN.com. While my heart goes to you all, I find this story both heartbreaking as well as inspiring. What a beautiful family. I’m sorry for your loss and trust in God Nathaniel is now at peace and watching joyfully over all of you; his journey has yet to begin.
These pictures are so moving. You are a wonderful family. I am so very very sorry for your loss. My daughter has OCD and is just finishing 6 weeks at the OCD Institute at McLean–so I feel like I have a real sense of the struggle. I wish you good weather and a smooth and peaceful walk to Boston.
Love and courage to all of you,
Wendy