PROJEKT 55

Welcome to PROJEKT 55. Chris was always about helping others more than helping himself. He helped his friends cope with things that were bothering them and was able to bring a smile to anyone’s face who was feeling down. PROJEKT 55 is about helping Chris help others. You can make a difference.

I was doing some browsing on CNN and came across this article about a kid, Brandon Staglin, who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. His family was determined to better understand how these brain diseases worked and what the best possible solutions were to not only end this disease but to get rid of the stigma that comes with such a disorder. The Staglins delved into piles of medical resources and found a dense array of research, studies and multiple professional options to the point that they were overflowing with information.

As they waded through the options and got their son care he needed, the family realized the need for continued scientific advancements to understand the development of mental illness. So the Staglins decided to throw their own small benefit for mental health in their backyard. In 1995, a small concert series began that harnessed top scientists, donors, and an array of entertainment, fine dining and of course wine.

The event started out in 1995 as just a community gathering to discuss mental health and has turned into a major annual event with celebrity performances, top professionals and a sold out dinner that has raised more than $114 million for research efforts so far.

In 2008, with the growing success of the concert events, Staglin co-founded the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) which allows for additional financial support across the nation and increases the ability to fund and propose research opportunities that might not otherwise be studied in the field of mental illness. The Staglins wanted to not only to raise cash for fundraising for brain disease but remove the stigma of admitting you or a loved one suffer from one. This project aims to be a one-stop shop for the latest and best in specific development and treatments for those suffering from neurological diseases.

So with that being said if any of you would like to donate in Chris’ name I think it would be a great way to show your love for not only Chris but for the many others out there who suffer from what he suffered from. Instead of just going to the IMHRO website and donating I set up a fundraiser page for Chris. Once we reach a fair amount of money we can make a bigger impact by donating it all at one time. I will share the results with everyone on Chris’ website once we reach the goal.

Go to Chris’ Donation page