March Madness is back! Support the National Alliance On Mental Illness while watching college hoops.
For the 10th consecutive year, I’m hosting an NCAA March Madness bracket league (via ESPN Tournament Challenge) to benefit the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI). I host this in memory of my older brother Kevin - he suffered from schizophrenia and took his own life in 2004.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization that has special meaning to my family and me (more on this below). Since I started hosting this fundraiser in 2016, supporters like you have donated close to $21K to the organization through direct donations or by participating in my March Madness league.
Want to donate but not participate in the league?
Or do you want to make a donation in addition to your NCAA bracket entry?
Use this page to donate.
This is where I track all non-league donations. When the March Madness tournament ends, all funds raised are sent to Burlington County, NJ chapter of NAMI.
If you'd like to participate in my bracket league or have any questions, please email me at heald.stephen@gmail.com.
Thank you everyone for your support, and please share.
Steve Heald
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FAQ
What is the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI)?
NAMI is the largest nonprofit mental health organization in the U.S. dedicated to improving the lives of the millions of Americans, and their families, affected by mental illness. Through education and support, NAMI fights to confront stigmas related to mental illness.
Why is NAMI special to my family and me?
My older brother Kevin suffered from schizophrenia, which began while he was in college at Elon University in North Carolina. Shortly after graduation, his mental illness began to severely impact him. In 2004, when Kevin was 22 years old, he took his own life.
Since then, my family has actively supported NAMI. My mom, Ruth, has been a dedicated volunteer for many years at the Burlington County, NJ chapter of NAMI - helping with crisis intervention, educating police, and much more.
Kevin hanging out in front of a kitchen plant
(brothers, from L to R) Alex, me, Mason, Kevin
Kevin playing keyboard at Elon University. He taught himself to how to play.
Kevin (right) and me
