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Colour OR Cut Your Mo in NOV!

By Janine Kilmartin Join Me

Help me make it meaningful

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.

Help us create a meaningful moment for mental health - by coloring or cutting your MO, for November, all for a great cause.

That’s why we are making a change, help us raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. Every dollar raised will support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

We appreciate support and donation.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$3,528

My Goal

$1,500

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My Achievements

My Updates

100% support

Saturday 30th Nov
I Thank you!!!!! Thank you !!we raised over $3.5K in our first fundraiser! The idea for “Colour or Cut your Mo” from a mutual friend of my sons & alongside a network of colleagues - they made it happen!!! Standing together we have started a journey to make mental health a priority in our lives. Remove the stigma & start the conversation TODAY!!

Breaking the silence.

Saturday 30th Nov
Mo-member has been a work in progress. 
The support from my networks, have helped in the past few months, thats for sure.!  Yesterday (Friday) my work held a lunch to rise funds for BDI & in honor of my son. 

Among the fun of colour or growing MO’s we  started our challenge to remove the stigma of mental health and suicide. A huge effort by all our donators, to BDI and to my working network.  

I spoke (and broke down) of my story, sharing why it’s so important we remove the stigma.

My story ….
 
It has been two months since our lives were tragically turned upside down. A part of the sunshine that filled my heart and home was taken from me & my whanau.
My son, Bailey, found himself in one of life’s darkest potholes—a place from which he could not see out, and in which he was unable to reach out for help.
The stigma surrounding mental health and the demons it brings needs to be confronted and removed. Bailey’s struggle was one he fought in silence, and as his Mum, I now understand just how crucial it is to speak openly and honestly about these invisible battles.
The emotions are raw, and the pain indescribable. Every day feels like a challenge, and the grief is immeasurable. Today, I stand here to share Bailey’s story and to remind others that no one should ever feel like they are facing such struggles alone. I hope that, in doing so, I can help raise awareness and break the silence that surrounds mental health.
 
Supporting the Black Dog Institute and their mission to educate, raise awareness, and offer support to those experiencing mental health challenges aligns with what I hope to accomplish in honor of Bailey.
I hope to help others recognize the symptoms of mental health issues within themselves, and others, encourage them to seek help, and foster an environment where people no longer feel isolated in their struggles, but instead feel empowered to reach out and remind them that treatment is available, and hope is real.
 
Together, we can help create a future where no one has to suffer in silence.

A piece of his puzzle

Tuesday 26th Nov
Two months have passed.  I am still processing….. and so are others.  Whanau, friends, colleagues and networks were he cast his shining light.

In reality, how are we dealing with our loss?

Sometimes I talk about it, I choose my moment to tell my story or shed a tear,  or hold my breath and talk about breaking the stigma of mental health.

Something Ive learnt about my son (and seeing it after his passing) how he bought people together who shared a common interest/ passion in cars, he bought so many enthusiasts together .... His smile and friendliness, often spoken about by his peers & those who had just met him …….. was this his legacy? 
Is this how his network will remember him?
How am I to uphold this part of his legacy??? Will others take the lead and follow in his footsteps for they were part of it?  
Will his legacy be carried on?
Just one small part of his story in which I stand on the sidelines and peak in.  There are others who can tell the story better than me - but will they?


Making it happen!

Monday 25th Nov
Friday is MO day!!! My workplace is holding a luncheon to raise funds in memory of my son. Over the weekend, we made 8 styles of mo’s for photos and along with red & purple hair spray - There’s no excuses now!! The support from my workplace is an important part of my journey.

No Mo? No Problem!!!

Friday 22nd Nov
So, I’ve learnt there are some that just can’t grow a MO!!!!! Don’t panic!!! You can still join the fun - my fav hairdresser put colour feathers into my hair (& donated) all while talking about mental health!!! Lots of fun !!!! ….. There’s a few more colours in there…

Finding the new normal after suicide.

Tuesday 19th Nov
Ok, blogging isn’t my thing, so let’s give it a go!
My personal experience is still raw, the emotions come in waves, the clarity becomes foggy and at times find doing everyday tasks I find myself distracted, unable to focus on simple tasks.
Is the new normal? I’m a person who strives in a challenge, stays active within sport and loves a good walk!
I know time cures the hurt, but there a whole world of pain, frustration & unknowns out there. 
I have to keep moving forward, I’m not going to stop, But how on earth do I do that when my world is missing a huge piece of it!
A favourite saying, “one step at a time - if I can’t do a day, a step forward is enough!”

With that saying this is how I began my journey to moving forward again:
Setting the alarm and going for a morning walk.  Words of wisdom “first alarm feet on the floor”, even on the days where sleep hasn’t been enough - it happens.
Why this routine? For me,  It activates the body, mind and sole - sun, wind and rain no matter what with music to get you pump up sets the tone for the day (well that’s what in keep telling myself!)
Each day presents its challenges, I have my moments, and cherish those regular check-ins.
Losing my son, hurts everyday, will time cure the pain? Sometimes my heart is strong, sometimes the tears just fall from my eyes, and some days the smile is as true as it gets. 
This is just the beginning, I’ll continue my journey, (and try to keep blogging) for I have a story to share and a legacy to uphold!

Thank you to my Sponsors

$21.10

Robert Shepard

Glad to donate to a great cause

$52.75

Mark Emons

$105.50

Paul Kamphuis

Sorry I couldn't be there today Janine. I hope the day went well.

$79.13

Anonymous

$52.75

Dc

$105.50

Daniel

We’ll done Janine and happy to Support, although it‘s only a drop. Hug you!

$21.10

Ken Parrocho

Well done Janine! Excellent work in raising mental health awareness!

$2.11

Shiwei Xu

$100

Michael Olsen

$105.50

Adelle Elmazovski

$52.75

Lisa Gilchrist

$200

Melody Hiha

$150

Melissa Van Leeuwen

$105.50

Lachlan & Wendy

$105.50

Bernard Evans

$52.75

Anonymous

🤍🤍🤍🤍

$52.75

Anonymous

$131.88

Tiffany & Alex

Love to you

$105.50

Favourite Aunty Rita ❤️‍🩹

Bailey loves you babe, as we all do❤️‍🩹

$52.75

Karen Meredith

$21.10

Toby Lucas

💗💗💗

$100

Volks Coffee

$21.10

Marie Williams

$52.75

Anonymous

Mental Health - affects more people than we probably realise,, your strength is inspirational Janine.

$52.75

Leanne Walford

xoxo

$52.75

Mark Donegan

$10.55

Rania’s Hairdressing

I’m so sorry for your loss chick. The black dog (mental illness) is the worst. I hope you and the family can heal in time and find peace within your path of healing. ❤️‍🩹

$21.10

Sue Clarke

Great cause

$52.75

The Adams Family

💟

$211

Macaulay Family

Love you always.

$52.75

Mandy Hopkins

$211

Max Fong

you're doing amazing work Janine!!

$100

Gmac

Loss may leave a heartache that no one can heal, Love will leave a memory no one can steal.

$31.65

Margie Rees

$52.75

Cindy Bell

$105.50

Pete & Ráchel

Your strength is inspiring…

$26.38

Fullgrabe Family

❤️💜❤️

$52.75

The Bland Family Xxxx

With love xx

$52.75

Meldrum Family

$27.43

Shirley Hobson

My heart is with you as am I

$52.75

Margaret And James

One step at a time. Love from your Aussie mum and dad x

$26.38

Paul Taylor

$52.75

The Hand Family Xo

💜

$52.75

Anonymous

$10.55

Sam Conway

Close one to our hearts, Cuz 💙

$52.75

Jacob Couroyannis

$105.50

Anthony Kelly

Great cause Janine hope you hit your target

$52.75

Satheesh Kaneswaran

$52.75

Isuru Ukwatta

$105.50

Georgina Gaff Consulting

Proud to help you raise funds for such an important cause.