IN MEMORIAM
By GG Burns
WE LOVED THEM. EACH AND EVERY ONE.
This is a new page on my website. If you’d like to honor someone lost to a medical brain disorder and/or someone who was a fierce medical brain disorder advocate, please send me a photo. Write a short description — 50 words — to let others know something about this dear person you loved. dede@soonerthantomorrow.com
PATRICK RANAHAN (1968-2014). Pat loved music, his guitar, his family, his friends, and his dog. AKAMAI777, meaning “wit, wisdom, and a big hug from the universe",” was a phrase he made up and a favorite salutation. Pat, we miss you every day.
GINA (GG) BURNS (2019) Incredible artist and fierce serious mental illness advocate. She fought so long, so hard, and for so many. Her friends are everywhere. We love you, GG Burns.
CALVIN CLARK (1995-2019). Calvin was a champion at debate and loved complicated games that required mental agility. He was a strong swimmer and surfer. We loved the thrill of a family “party wave” in chilly Oregon. Waves of grief are hard, but advocacy in Calvin’s honor brings strength.
Mike Lehmkuhl (2016) was a Sacramento man who began to hear voices and developed severe mental illness. After living on the streets of Sacramento, California for seven months, he was shot and killed in January 2016.
RONALD MICHEAL ROBBIBARO (1986-2016). You will always be remembered for your sincere, heartwarming laugh, love of family, friends, and all that is beautiful. Until we are together again, you will always be in the hearts of us who were lucky to have had you in our lives.
Farron Barksdale (Died in prison). In prison, Farron was comotose, on life support, andfootcuffed to the bed. Prison staff gave him psychotorpic drugs with heat warnings. Then they put him in a cell with no air circulation and 108 degree temps outside. Farron died from neuroleptic malignant syndrome. His family won a wrongful death suit against the Department of Corrections in Montgomery Alabama.
Carol Synder (April 6, 1949 - November 16, 2011) had schizophrenia and her family was not allowed to get help for her due to HIPAA laws. Before she died, Carol said, “They should have let you help me. I wasn’t in my right mind.” Carol wrote a book of poetry — This is My Heart, Take Care.
Earl (1976) a few months before he died. He had paranoid schizophrenia and set himself on fire. “God appeared and told me it wouldn't hurt. He told me I wouldn’t burn and I’d prove to everyone that I am God-like.”
Laurie Mendoza (2020) was homeless in Sacramento, CA. She lived in her van until metastatic breast cancer required hospice care. Laurie had 4 sons and 2 of them had SMI. One is currently homeless and on the streets. Laurie was a fearless SMI advocate for many years.
Marty Napier, 28 years (2002). Candace Napier 26 years (2008). My beloved children lost due to SMI and suicide.
Audrey Adams Auernheimer.