This past Thursday, we got some very sad news, that my Mother died at the age of 97. Eleven years ago, I helped move my Mom from her Chicago home to here in Eugene, where she lived in an active retirement center. I helped take care of her, but after my bad fall, my brother and my wife have done so much to help take care of my wonderful Mom, who has always been so loving, ethical, upbeat, helpful.

Below is an obituary prepared by my family:

Violet Oaks Obituary:

Beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt Violet Elizabeth Oaks (née Stonis) passed away on March 19, 2015, at 97 years of age.

Born in Rockford, Illinois on March 29, 1917, Violet is preceded in death by parents Anton and Mary (Armin) Stonis; and by brothers Vito, Algert, and Albert. She is survived by sister Nancy Corcoran of Des Plaines, Illinois.

Violet was a resident of Chicago, Illinois for nearly eight decades before relocating to Eugene, Oregon in 2009. It was there on Chicago’s South Side that she married her late husband, Anthony T. Oaks and raised her two surviving sons Anthony Oaks of Houston, Texas and David Oaks of Eugene, Oregon. Violet was also a cherished mother-in-law to Charlene Paulus Oaks and Debra Nuñez as well as grandmother to Sarah, Anthony, John, and Eleanor Oaks.

Violet will be remembered for her brilliance and meticulousness, as well as her lifelong appreciation of her Lithuanian heritage, angel and bluebird tchotchkes, crossword puzzles, pinochle, travel, good food and drink, and, true to her name, flowers.

A celebration of life will take place at the 2^nd floor lounge of the Eugene Hotel (222 E. Broadway, Eugene, OR, 97401) at 2 p.m. on March 28, 2015. A memorial and burial will follow in Chicago at the Lithuanian National Cemetery with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made towards the care of son, David. Checks can be sent directly to: David W. Oaks Irrevocable Trust, c/o Chase Bank, 1100 Willamette St., Eugene, OR, 97401.

You may give online here.

Please visit and post your memory at this online memorial site created by our family:

http://www.forevermissed.com/violet-elizabeth-oaks

For four decades I have been an activist challenging the mental health industry. More and more I feel that the climate crisis should be one of the highest priorities for social change led by people who have personally experienced psychiatric abuse, and our allies. I affectionately call us The Mad Movement. It seems that almost every speaker against global warming ends their message the same way, that we can stop this catastrophe if society has the “will.” I believe that participants in The Mad Movement have an important insight into real sickness in society. As a psychiatric survivor, I have seen too much labeling of creative maladjustment as ill. We need to shake off our world’s complacency and numbness, also known as “normality.”

The beginning of 2015 marks the fifth anniversary of a little-known campaign by the well-respected environmental group 350.org that asks the approximately 7,000 local chambers of commerce in the USA to oppose the way the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, based in Washington, D.C., blocks national progress in the fight to stop global warming. 350 says that, “The Chamber has long opposed environmental standards, but on climate change, they’ve gone pretty near berserk” (www.chamber.350.org).

350’s main request of local chambers seems pretty modest — to simply issue a statement saying that the US Chamber “doesn’t speak for us” in its denial of human-caused climate change. Unfortunately, despite five years of effort by activists, only 56 local chambers have distanced themselves from the U.S. Chamber about global warming. That is less than one percent! I have helped organize many actions over the past five years to ask our local Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce to say anything about climate change, but regrettably we have been met by a wall of silence.

We have tried everything from writing letters to the editor, personally corresponding with board members, performing public street theater, and protesting inside the chamber office itself. And still, no substantial moves have been made. The Eugene Area Chamber’s board members relentlessly refuse to speak up for values that they profess to have.

I am extremely concerned about the disaster of climate change because I think of it as a one-two punch. The first punch is highly predictable and linear. Almost all scientists agree on this “unequivocal” punch. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change spotlights the certainty of human-caused global warming hazards, such as sea-level rise. I am more interested in the second, surprise punch of runaway climate change, which is non-linear.

There has been a quiet revolution throughout the sciences that I like to call “the butterfly effect.” Others call this field the science of emergence, chaos, dynamic systems, or complexity. In short, when complex systems like Earth’s environment are disrupted, chaotic results can occur. Global warming may trigger amplifying, abrupt feedback effects, such as methane release as a result of warming permafrost. A little global warming may lead to an irreversible avalanche of extreme global warming. I call the worst case scenario of climate change “Normalgeddon.”

Right now, the Eugene chapter of 350.org is focusing on valuable state-wide campaigns such as blocking oil pipelines, divesting the University of Oregon Foundation from companies that profit from fossil fuels, and carbon-restrictive legislation. These campaigns are necessary, and we should rally for more support for these local efforts. We should also still support 350.org’s national campaign to get local chambers to speak out against the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce president has always been responsive and civil to me personally, but he has also refused to speak out against the U.S. Chamber. He claims that the Eugene chamber is entirely independent. In a way, the Eugene community should see the Eugene Area Chamber’s refusal to speak up as a gift, because the climate crisis is no longer a faceless entity — it is embodied by our local chamber’s refusal to demand real change. Our chamber is also an actual place to peacefully protest. The chamber’s office is downtown at the corner of 14th and Willamette.

The planet’s issues are the people’s issues. Those of us who are the most marginalized and disenfranchised by existing inequality are the most vulnerable to impacts of the changing climate. All organizations fighting for people must fight for the planet, and vice versa. As a mental health and disability rights activist, connecting the issues of mental health and climate change are particularly important to me, but this work can and must be done in all realms. Please take up the leadership to nonviolently urge that the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, and its leaders, speak up about the U.S. Chamber and climate crisis.

After my wonderful wife Debra and I came home from last year’s climate march here in Eugene in solidarity with a huge New York City march, we turned to each other realizing that we had the exact same take-away message: Hope means acting from your own highest principles, without necessarily knowing what the outcome will be. I hope that the Eugene community and the board members of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce will think this through, and act on their own highest principles. After all, real mental well-being requires that we work now with a sense of urgency, unity, purpose and hope. Not only do we need a climate miracle, we need to construct our own miracle in our minds and in our communities.

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For more information see the David W. Oaks blog at www.normalgeddon.com.

 Updated: 3/24/2017 – We are now looking for subs. While our team is full we often need a sub or two. You would decide on your own hours. We utilize great workers morning and night, seven days a week. 

You will find the Top Ten Reasons for you to Join Team Oaks as a Home Care Worker or member of the Community, plus a downloadable flyer: https://www.davidwoaks.com/category/help-wanted

Below is lots more info about this job.  You may now apply directly to me by simply emailing me about your interest: davidwoaks@gmail.com   In fact I may help you start a whole career as a home-care worker with or without a provider number!  It is easier than ever to apply for these positions!

Home-Care Workers:  Permanent and Fill-In Positions

Work with long-time activist David Oaks.

Hi Homecare Worker!

The best homecare worker team in the world is looking for a Sub, because almost every other week we need coverage for an AM or PM shift. Filling in is an easy way to join us. A small regular weekly shift may be opening soon!

If interested in joining our team give me a cell call, the number is in the S&DS Online Registry. Or email to davidwoaks@gmail.com, or both.

Thanks, David

About this opportunity:

Helpful for all shifts: Experience w/ quadriplegics. Experience w/ hoyer lifts. For AM shift only experience w/ digital stim. bowel program (additional training from my nurse available). About every 3 days we shower in the am.

Born in 1955 in the south side of Chicago, raised working class, got scholarships to Harvard, graduated with honors 1977. Since then I’ve worked for disability human rights, especially mental health, co-founding MindFreedom International. In 2012 I broke my neck and do a lot of rehab. I’m in a powerchair w/ paralyzed legs & arms with several other disabilities. For example my vocal fold is impaired.

My main interest is environmental action. My wife Debra, our cat Bongo and I live in our own neat home, on our quarter-acre eco-garden we call Mad Swan, in the Churchill neighborhood SW Eugene.  

Our many shifts each week total about 85 hrs:

1.  Weekday am: Typically start at 7 or 7:30 am
2.  Sat. am: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
3.  Sun. am: 9 am to noon, plus noon to 3 pm 1st Sun.
4.  Weekday pm: 3:00 pm to about 8:00 pm
5.  Weekend pm: About 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Some of the tasks for both the am and pm shifts (training available):

• Dressing & personal hygiene (ability to roll me, 175 lbs, while in bed)
• Supra pubic catheter care (it’s easy, training available)
• Assist communication via computer
• Light housekeeping & laundry
• Meal set-up, preparation, service & cleanup
• Transportation to/from appointments & social events driving my accessible van; clean driving record required
• Assistance with meds & vitamins

WE AIM TO  BE “THE MOST MAGNIFICENT EMPLOYER OF HOMECARE WORKERS IN THE WORLD.”

We’re homecare union supporters. We make sure longer shifts get a break. We’ve got a nice, comfy, quiet breakroom, or our big backyard, deck/garden. Supplies/equipment are carefully maintained. Workplace is professional & safety is our highest priority. For more info, direct your search engine to David W. Oaks. My public blog is https://www.davidwoaks.com

Act soon! Contact my cell phone number you will find on the S&DS Online Registry or email me at davidwoaks@gmail.com

Update: The author has replied, and you can read this November 14, 2014 update at the bottom of this,

Here in Eugene, Oregon, I heard a radio interview with the author of a young adult novel called “Crazy,” and I hoped that the author would challenge some mental health oppression during her book tour here in Oregon. After all, her semi-autobiographical fiction novel is about growing up in Klamath Falls, Oregon with a mom who has severe mental and emotional problems. Unfortunately, the radio interview seemed to turn into a promotion of the conventional mental health system.

Below is my open public letter to this author to ask that she questions the mental health industry more in her book tour:

Dear Linda Vigen Phillips,

At first, when I heard the interview with you on my local radio station KLCC-FM today, I was enthused about the possibilities for your book tour. I had high expectations that you can challenge mental health oppression.

For the past 40 years I have been working to change the mental health system as a person who survived abuse by the psychiatric system as a teenager. So I’m optimistic that your book tour could give many teens struggling with these issues a great amount of hope.

However, during your interview, I felt very disheartened because the message seemed to support the current mental health industry, which I feel needs to be overthrown completely. You seem to be such a caring and smart author with the intent of supporting psychiatric survivors and our families. So below I ask some questions that I would love to hear a reply to, and most importantly, I urge you to open dialogue with your audiences about these issues throughout your book tour.

I have not yet read your young adult novel, “Crazy,” but I know you are reaching many of us who have psychiatric diagnoses and family members, such as during your book tour visit to one of my favorite bookstores, Tsunami Books. Several times over the past few years, Tsunami Books has hosted some great psychiatric survivor authors, poets, musicians and other creative folks. So please take my questions in the friendly manner they are offered to you:

1. Can you give us any scientific evidence about your claims regarding genetics?

During the interview, you told the audience that people with psychiatric problems, such as those of us labeled “bipolar,” have a clear genetic connection. In fact, you said that if one parent had such problems then the child had a 50% chance of developing similar problems. Incredibly, you then added that if both parents had these problems then their child had a 100% chance of developing similar psychiatric problems.

Can you please offer me even one scientific source for such a claim? I am friends with psychologist authors who dispute such a biological link. It may not be your intent, but your interview implied that genetics equals fated destiny. I know that we are way more complex than that, and I know that the science is way more ambiguous. By the way, science tends never to use such numbers as 100%. If there is even one person in the world without these psychiatric issues whose parents both have bipolar diagnoses, that would disprove this claim.

2. Isn’t it a contradiction for you to then claim that writing was your “salvation”?

Directly after you made the above genetic claims, you said that writing, such as your journaling, helped your “salvation.” But that seems to be a contradiction. How can children of parents with psychiatric diagnoses have a great chance of developing the same psychiatric problem, while you used very hopeful and positive psycho-social alternatives to direct your own fate and healing? So are you saying that if your father was also diagnosed bipolar that such journaling would be fruitless? I bet your message is more nuanced than that, but I did not hear that today.

3. Will you be our ally in stopping the “Bully Model”?

There is a big division today within mental health. First there is a camp that claims one must take psychiatric drugs to recover from “psychosis” such as a diagnoses of schizophrenia or bipolar. Second there is a camp that absolutely hates ever including a medical model and instructs people that they must never use biological approaches such as drugs and electroshock.

I hope that you embrace what I call a third path, that endorses choice rather than the creed that I call the “Bully Model.” During your interview today, maybe you got over-enthusiastic, but you actually said that a diagnosis of “bipolar” may be “terminal” unless a person stays on their regimen of “medication.”

Yes, I realize that several times you also talked about the power of talk therapy, so I know you believe other approaches beyond the medical model can be helpful. However, there are many people, such as me, who reach some level of recovery after a bipolar diagnosis and are “off their meds,” as I have been since 1977.

To be a good ally for those of us in the mental health system, I hope that you endorse “choice” during your public appearances. You will find that leaders today tend not to use the term “mental illness” because invoking this phrase implies that one must follow a medical model to heal, when there is a rainbow of many choices that work. I have an essay about ending the use of the phrase mental illness here: http://www.mindfreedom.org/kb/mental-health-abuse/psychiatric-labels/not-mentally-ill

Many of us also have family members who are in the mental health system, and it is very important for us all to endorse a choice model to be awesome allies, especially for youth who have mental and emotional problems.

4. Is there really such a big division between “Normal” and “Crazy”?

During your interview, you mentioned that you originally wanted to use the title “Nervous Breakdown,” but your publisher thought the word “crazy” would have more of an “impact.” This may seem like I am making a joke, but isn’t “Normal” more scary than “Crazy”? Seriously, the most distressed person who is called bipolar, on their worst day, at least is not wrecking a whole planet. Truly global catastrophes such as the climate crisis require the complicity of billions of so-called “Normal” people. We are the 100%!

By the way, I am one of those mental activists who uses words such as “crazy,” “mad,” and even “cuckoo.” Unlike some folks with mainstream mental health groups, I believe in recapturing some of those bad words. However, by using the word crazy for this fictional mom, and maybe your own real mom, aren’t you discounting the trauma that might have led to her problems? Shouldn’t words like “crazy” be used in a way that pushes us all to reconsider who and what are crazy, rather than in a way that legitimizes using the medical model? Isn’t it better if we use such words about ourselves, rather than for others?

5. Can you refer people to our Mad Movement?

I know that some groups endorsing the current mental health system are referring people to your novel.

There is also an alternative, diverse, international, growing social change movement to overthrow the mental health system. This Mad Movement is led by psychiatric survivors. One great source of info about this movement, including many mental health professions, journalists, attorneys, etc., would be the great website Mad In America.

Can you please refer people to dig deep on this topic and hear the voices of critics of this industry, especially psychiatric survivors?

Good luck on the rest of your book tour, and I look forward to your replies.

Those who are interested can link to my blog entry here (which will help search engines find these questions), and look up your own website here:

http://www.lindavigenphillips.com/

Reply from author:

Dear Mr. Oaks,

The Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, Register-Guard daily newspaper ran a huge piece by journalist Randi Bjornstad about me, my fall, my broken neck, activism, our supportive community, changing the mental health system, and even the Chamber of Commerce protest on climate crisis. There are two great photos by professional photographer Paul Carter, plus how to give to my irrevocable trust fund.

You can read, download, print a PDF of the article here: R-G-DavidWOaks-1-5-2014

You may wish to write a letter to the editor about this excellent article, contact information is here:  http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/#letter

For news about the protest of the Chamber of Commerce, see the next blog entry below:

On December 1st, 2012, David Oaks fell off a loft ladder while trying to retrieve Bongo (his cat) from a loft in his home office. An MRI as well as other imaging testing later showed he had broken the C7 bone in his neck. However, he could still move his arms and thumbs, and he soon underwent emergency surgery. The surgeon’s report from that first surgery was positive, although David still needs a second stabilization surgery which he hopes to undergo soon.

Read the most current information on his condition as I am fed it from family/friends who visit the hospital on a regular basis.

Thought I’d create this log of well wishes coming in from all corners. If you have signed up to add to this post, please make sure to indicate the date and your name on top of each different entry. Please help me keep the most current posts on top of the page.

Thanks! ~John

Jan. 27, 2013

David, you’ve always been a fighter in the best of ways, so now keep fighting for yourself! I’m out of the country, but you will be in my thoughts. If even a little of what you have given comes back to you now, you will have tremendous support.
~ Marion Malcolm

I just learned of your injuries and hospitalization, and I pray you have rapid healing, rehabilitation, and recovery. You are such a model and inspiration for those of us who do human rights work, and you have been the strongest of allies for the many marginalized people whose voices you have helped amplify and speak truth to power. I know your extraordinary good work all these years will come back around, support you, and progressively give you the strength that you need to be well once again. We are rooting for you, David!

~ Ken Neubeck

Jan. 25, 2013

Congratulations!! Wow!! What a great milestone with the breathing. Cheering for each little success and your will to keep going, step by step. Someone I know closely had to recover functions like talking; its not 100 percent but so close it doesn’t matter. With time, with patience, with self-care, you’ll be singing and dancing a whole new tune. If I recall, video games were an essential part of his recovery… Thinking good thoughts for you and your family. Appreciate the updates very much. Good time to exercise those facial muscles for all sorts of fun. Times like these, I make a nose wrinkle. Take care!
~ Laura Rose Misaras

Jan. 7, 2012

David,

It’s so unfortunate that you suffered such a mishap. Our hearts and spirit are with you at this time in your life and asking for God’s healing powers to extend to you whilst on the hospital bed. We have faith and belief that God will bring you back on your feet stronger than ever! Speedy recovery in the name of God!

We extend our warmest greetings to Debra and David’s family…we very much cherish your memorable visit to Ghana in April 2011 and the training you gave us!

Best,
Dan Taylor, MindFreedom-Ghana

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I am really sorry to hear about your accident, David.
Thank you so much to Celia for sharing this news with me. I pray that you recover soon. My prayers for you everyday.

Regards and love,
Bhargavi Davar

Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012

Dear David,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about the accident. I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery from Melbourne, Australia. May yourself and Debra and your families have a peaceful Christmas.
All my best,
Piers Gooding

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012

David’s brother, Tony, asked me to pass along this message to all who read this: Happy Winter Solstice!

——————

David,

Your entire life has shone like a beacon of light for all of us who have been diagnosed and/or are living with a mental illness. Now I hope you are receiving all the hope and light you need from all of us to help you on your journey back to full health. Thank you for everything. When something like this happens to someone, it makes me realize how tenuous our grasp on health is, how anything could happen to any one of us at any time, and how important it is for everyone in this country and around the world to have guaranteed health care. It should definitely be a right, and not yet another for-profit business. I want to help in any way I can from West Chicago, and if that is only financially, I will eke out something each month to send your way. You do not know me personally, nor I you, but I feel like I know you because I know of your good works, and they are of vital importance to so many people. I will keep you in my thoughts, and my hopes are for your wellness holistically, body, mind, spirit, etc., etc. Thank you again for everything you have done, and for all you will do in the future.

Irene O’Neill

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Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012

David seems to be making great progress! Before coming down here from Seattle on Monday, I was feeling pretty scared because of the number of days surgery had been delayed, time in ICU and most of all by his pneumonia given limits to his breathing. I wasn’t fully reassured by the note which said “fortunately we caught it in time.” However, I spoke with his respiratory therapist today and he seemed thrilled with David’s progress.

Apparently David’s body has responded to the antibiotics, and Tuesday a special bed which moves him back and forth arrived. This delivered results quickly in David being able to begin clearing out his lungs.

David has also showed other signs of getting stronger. His breathing capacity has gotten stronger. He is able to speak with the assistance of a trache tube (ventilator assisted) for longer and longer periods of time. His volume has gotten much better. He has also been off the ventilator completely for short periods and can speak very softly.

Expect word from David himself soon. When he has been able to speak, his first thoughts have gone to express gratitude for the support he has received, and to make requests,.. not for himself.. but for MindFreedom and our movement.

I am once again impressed and inspired by David’s indomitable spirit. I know it’s been a hard journey lately and there is much challenge ahead of him. David has the will, the drive and the spirit to do it! And I have no doubt that the wave of love, and support for him and MindFreedom makes a world of difference to him!

Encouraged,
Phil Schulman
http://www.facebook.com/AdvocatesForHumanity

Please do what I request ONLY if you can do so with joy. Please do not do as I request out of duty or obligation, fear or punishment, guilt, shame, or fear of hurting me, nor to buy love or in hopes that I will like you more.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Published in a blog:  “Thoughts About David Oaks” by Robert Whitaker (December 17, 2012)

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David!

I heard from Cathy Webb at the Library that you took a big fall…Joe and I are so sorry. I hope that you and Debra are hanging in there. Joe and I thought of you two a lot when we were visiting Ephesus in Turkey. What an amazing place.  We are thinking of you and Debra and hope to visit sometime when you are ready to enjoy visits.

Lots of love from Cathy and Joe

—————–

David,

First of all, please get well and know that I am one of many people thinking of you! And I wanted you to know, that inspired by you and Sophie, I persuaded Dr. Stafford (my research collaborator) at Stanford Medical School to work with me on seeking funding to do a program addressing the issue of overuse of antipsychotics in children.

Thanks, Lydia

—————–

We are with you in spirit, David! We hope your terrible ordeal will not be too long and that you will be back with us soon again stronger than ever! We are so sorry you have to suffer this way. We love you and send you 100,000 blessings from Ireland.

Our love and support,
Mary/Jim and Mindfreedom Ireland

Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012

I guess I am in shock knowing that you were injured since I believe that you are always a tower of strength: your presence in all sorts of situations has always been there–in spite of how many adversaries were present–I know that no matter how much pain you are in your quirky smile will overcome the pain.
Shela Silverman

Best wishes from Speak Out Against Psychiatry here in London UK. Hope you make a speedy recovery. Thanks for all your hard work helping others and may you receive some of that kindness back in this your hour of need.
All the best, Cheryl Prax.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012

David,
I just want you to know that I’m very concerned about you. You have made such a great contribution to our movement and the world, and I hope to see you continue with that. I’m not a religious person, but I am praying for you anyway.
Your friend, Ted Chabasinski

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Hi David,

I was so sorry to hear of your fall. I know how things can change in a split second…. I have always admired your tenacity and persistence in liberating us from the psychiatric industry. These qualities will get you through this challenge. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you’ll get through this and continue to lead our movement. I’ve been thinking of Justin Dart lately as I see all of the political challenges the disability community faces. I’ve been thinking “What would Justin do?” I’m sure he’s rooting for you from on high right this moment! Hang in there…

Diane Engster

—————–

Dear David,

We are all thinking of you and wishing you our deepest hopes for each day being full of love are care from your friends and family around the world. It was wonderful being with you at Esalen! May the gorgeous healing sound of those Pacific waves stay in your heart and soul and help you heal.

Love,
Dorothy Dundas

——————-

You’ve been an inspiration to me since the nineties and you laid the foundation so that I could recover completely.

Peace and Best Wishes, Jeanne Smith

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Dear David! Our best wishes for fast recovery. In Mindpower in Iceland our thoughts are with you and we are sending to you the viking spirit and strength from Iceland! Eiríkur sends his best wishes and he will send the film about Hallgrímur soon to you.

My warmest regards,
Auður Axelsdóttir

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You are in my thoughts and prayers. This is so difficult for all of us who care so much about you. We feel assured that your ever vibrant spirit will carry you through. Know that Ed and I are with you and will do whatever we can to hasten your recovery–and carry on the work.

You will be excited to know that there is a team of people organizing to develop the comprehensive activist and advocacy training curriculum that you and I talked about last summer. We have a call next week and some initial writing has been done. I think this is a really great thing. We need to get more and more people working as advocates and activists and this is the way to do it. And as soon as I get on top of things, I can begin to pull others in to work on the circles of support initiative.

Some news. The Copeland Center board met last night and decided unanimously to sponsor two scholarships for Mindfreedom, members of the board or MFI members, to the WRAP Around the World Conference in Oakland next month in your name –people who would be chosen by you, your board and staff. I will let Latonya know about that. Rest easy dear friend.
Much love, Mary Ellen Copeland

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My hopes and prayers are that you continue on the road to recovery….Good luck on your continued recovery David. Hang in there Bro!!!
– Ken Collins

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Hi David,
I was so shocked to hear about your accident – I really hope you are as comfortable as possible. I know how strong your spirit is and that you will make a strong and speedy recovery! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do here in Toronto to be of assistance. I am thinking of you and sending you healing energy!

All the very best and I hope this message makes its way to you.
Emma Heath-Engel

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

David,
You are one of the strongest people I know. While the rest of us were trying to best each other in the commercial world, you took on a cause that you were passionate about. You made it real and important for so many people. You are selfless and so very generous with your fine mind and loving spirit.

I have to believe that all of the strength and concern you have shared with others will come back to you a thousandfold. It’s your turn to let the many people that love you take care of you now.
You’re in my heart and my prayers,
Diana Stonis

You have served as an awesome heroic champion of human rights, informed decisionmaking, and healthy dialog. As you have been an advocate and supporter, building networks, peers are at hand to advocate for and support you and your family in this personal journey of growth and recovery, one day, one moment at a time. When we’re going so quickly and life throws us a curve ball forcing us to slow down, my experience has taught me that there is something important to see and experience at life’s temporarily-adjusted pace, including but not limited to beautiful and simple miracles that otherwise might go unnoticed. You are a miracle. You are loved as you are, a human be-ing who is. Be. And from that miracle, marvelous opportunities, illuminated perspectives and demonstrations of determination have sprung forth, creating ripples across our globe for generations to come. Thank you for the gift of friendship, letting so many into your heart. May the days ahead bring smiles and discoveries, healing, health and hope.
~ Laura Rose Misaras

Monday, December 10, 2012

Cousin David!
Max and I are thinking about you and sending you good vibes. We hear your’re about to become a Mind Freedom Robocop! More metal!
You got this, cuz. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, we’ll have to rendezvous in Eugene soon.
XO, Lots, MacKenzie and Max Stonis
We’re pulling for you here at the Whitson household!
~ Natalie Whitson

Hi David,
I just found out about your accident. What a bummer to be laid up for so long.
I’m thinking about you and focusing on your rapid recovery. It sounds like you have a great team of docs to make you well again. I’m looking forward to making some food for you and Debra when you can eat solid again. I’ve been cooking a lot lately for my new housemate and I. Really enjoying it. How about some Mexican or Greek!

I’m eager to visit you when you get out of the ICU. I’ll send some sufi angels to be with you in the mean time. You’re in my constant thoughts and prayers.
Tom Berg

Sunday, December 9, 2012

I know that you have the emotional strength and persistence to do the absolute best for yourself in this difficult situation. And hey, you have some friends, too! We’re all pulling for you.

Love, Madronna
P. S. I am looking for that perfect humorous card for you. Since I haven’t found it, I may just have to bring in the jug of apple cider. And along the way, I did find two funny books I will be passing along soon.

Dear David,
Kim and I are in Wisconsin packing up as much as we think we can carry back to Oregon. Eyes bigger than trailer. We hope to begin the drive back on December 19th. It is snowing right now, a Canadian blizzard coming at us. We’ve just sent a card to you and Debra at your home but wanted to send some love and support more quickly than snail mail. Your community is far flung as well as close by. You’ve given so much to so many. I hope you can find some peace, comfort and joy in those who rally to support you at this bugger of a time. It is good to read that you are still your witty and entertaining self. This has got to be even more scary than sitting on the tracks in front of the White Train. Good thing you are a David who knows how to handle Goliaths.

We’ll join Team David as soon as we can plow our way to the west coast. Meanwhile, my Mom is giving your Mom a hug and we are sending healing thoughts and wishes your way. Hang in there Bro.
Love, Leslie & Kim too!

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David dearest …… I finally got to try out this most excellent website. Thanks John.

So I want you to know I am just one of a sea of concerned humans beings who are spending much of their time during the day thinking of you and sending thoughtful, healing wave lengths your way. I was watching Wayne Dyer on OPB last night and he was talking about his and other miraculous healings through the mindful process of positive visualization. I know you’re already good at that.

Know how much you’re loved and that you have your own Angel, Debra in your realm. Count me among the many people who are surrounding you with our thoughts, moment to moment.

Heartfully, Martha Snyder

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Hang in there, David. The troups are gathering and we all love you! ~ Karen Sequeira

Posted by John – Saturday, Dec. 8th, 2012

It is shocking how one’s life can change from one moment to the next, how we can be transported to a totally new circumstance in a split second. Yet, often, we are still the same.
I am so sorry this happened to you David. I know you were happy with your life as it was. I was thrilled with you as you were. You are a leader, a fighter and a friend and you have so much dedication, compasson and wisdom. I have learned a great deal from you and I am not finished learning from you.

I know that you will bring all your determination, wisdom and skill to get to as good a place as possible. I have every hope and believe that this will be a good place.
Hang in there David and Debra. I will do whatever I can to help.
With love, Chuck Areford

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We just got the word out here in Ohio. David, we are thinking of you and sending healing thoughts to you. We lift up Debra in our hearts. We know you can pull through this! We know the community will come together for you, just as it did when Upali had his brain tumor removed in 2004. We are comforted by the thought that many of your friends and family are near you now and able to support you.

Upali and Diane Nahallage

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David, Sending positive thoughts your way for a quick recovery, continued strength and determination as you heal. My heart and thoughts are with you all the way. We don’t know each other personally but you have been a major influence in my life and work. You can count on me to carry on the work and for personal support. I will monitor my email from MFI to see how things progress and what I can do.
Wendy Mishkin

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Posted by John – Friday, Dec. 7th, 2012

David,

I’m sending love, prayers, and best wishes for a fast and full recovery from Lancaster, PA. I’d still be lost in the psychiatric labyrinth if it wasn’t for you and MFI. Your vision of a nonviolent revolution in mental health has meant so much to my husband and me.
In support, Sonia Weaver

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Posted by John – Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012

From Cathy and Dan:

I love the pic of you and Dale; must have given the medical staff a chuckle! Try not to worry and we are all watching out for Debra too. Dan and I send our love and healing thoughts for your recovery. Looking forward to seeing you when we can and a pillow fight one day.
Love,
Cathy and Dan

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From Janet Foner, long time friend and fellow activist of David’s:

David, I was glad to read on this website that you are “still yourself”, which is what I expected and am glad to hear, because “yourself” is a pretty great guy! I sent a card to your house, but will reiterate here that Celia, LaTonya and I have everything under control w. MFI, so you can just leave all that to us until some time in future when you can pass on info to us about what needs done, and until you are able to do stuff again. In the meantime, NO WORRYING. I have got a handle on that! Remember my stuffed toy, “Mr. Worry”? He has it all under control & is worrying a mile a minute, for everybody, especially you.

I am thinking about you every day & wishing you well. Celia and I are in frequent touch also to think about you and also MFI. There is a LOT of love and good wishes being sent to you here. In a couple of months, hopefully, we will be laughing about it all & you’ll be laughing and yawning your way to complete recovery. I am mad that this had to happen to you, about the last thing you needed, and a heck of a way to go to finally get that long needed rest…not much of a vacation though–what we need is a beach in your hospital room….maybe you can picture it. Anyway, wishing you lots of support and friendship, which I know you get plenty of in Eugene, but here’s some from PA.

Much love, Janet

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From Dec. 5, 2012

We miss you, David! Glad to hear that this hasn’t dampened your ability to be a character. Your unstoppable energy will no doubt help with your recovery, and remember to take it easy too. You’ve got a strong team here at the office that is continuing on, so don’t worry about that, though of course we’ll be happy to have you back when/as that is possible.

Love, John Abbe

Keep your chin up David. You are a man of considerable courage and conviction; you can do this. Your friends and your family stand ready to help you and Debra in this new and very hard challenge. Your strength and that of those who care for you will carry you through this most horrible time.  / Debra: I love you and am thinking of you. Due to my own experience with hospitalization and the word I received that you had enough community support, I have not come to the hospital. But, please know you and David are in my heart and I stand ready to help you both in this most challenging journey that awaits you.

Love, Susan Connolly