Profiles on Passion: Part VI

For her Passion Project, sophomore Sophie Cannon is working with an organization called “To Write Love on Her Arms” that strives to erase the stigma of mental health issues such as depression, self-harm, and suicide. “I found out about [the organization] from a friend, but they are really active on social media,” said Cannon.

This is a very important issue in today’s society, especially among young adults in the community. According to a survey done by “Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders”, 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting.  “Mental health in general has been important to me and I’ve had friends who struggle with it,” explained Cannon.

Cannon sold bracelets in the lunchroom, set up a fundraising website, and is planning a benefit concert at the Valley View Middle School auditorium on Saturday, April 19, at 1:30 p.m. where students will be performing short stories, songs, poems, etc., to raise awareness for this widespread issue.

Simple ways that one can support these efforts to help at-risk peers include donating money or attending the concert. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will go to the organization, in hopes that even more people will get the assistance they need.