Chronically Strong

to her daughter that Katie's life legacy was going to count and that her suffering would have meaning. After months of pondering how she could honor Katie’s life and help others, clarity came. In March 2020, Gina joined the Don’t Give Up Signs Movement out of Oregon, and placed over 300 signs with positive messages in 6 Central PA counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. These signs had messages like “You matter,” “We’re all in this together," “Your mistakes don’t define you," “You are not alone.” These signs caught the attention of local news media and quickly gained traction. - https://bit.ly/3vrvjXY. Once the sign project ended, Gina knew that Katie’s story couldn’t end there. She saw how important it was to create mental health awareness. Once that awareness was generated, creating lasting change was the real answer to helping her community. In June 2020, using part of Katie’s Instagram handle to honor the strength it took to live a life while coping with mental illness, Chronically Strong was formed. Eventually, Gina realized that there are many faces of mental illness and that to be a true organization of change, Chronically Strong needed to be shaped by the community. By March 2021, Chronically Strong installed its inaugural Board of Directors and Committees. At Chronically Strong we believe that individuals coping with mental illness become stronger when their friends and family are supported. At Chronically Strong we are helping point individuals and families in crisis to resources. We are educating community leaders, organizations, and individuals on mental health, su***de prevention, and shaping change through the language we use to describe mental illness and those whom are coping with mental illness. We are doing advocacy work and supporting legislative reform that enhances the community’s ability to support those coping with mental illness. Most of all, at Chronically Strong, we offer a voice to those searching for their own. We hold space for the individuals, friends, and families coping with mental illness. We are a light shining to help our community find their way out of the darkness. We want you to know that you matter and we are glad you are here.