In 1970, my dad, Alan Gillies, wrote a commercial for J. Walter Thompson advertising agency. The commercial was for Religion in American Life, part of nationwide campaign to promote love. My dad wrote a song “One by One” for the commercial which was sung by Burl Ives. It is a very powerful song to encourage people to help and love one another. Unfortunately, my dad had a life long struggle with bipolar disorder and took his life in 1998.

In January 2007, my oldest son Michael took his life. My middle son Andy found Michael and tried to save him. In 2008, Andy suffered a psychotic break. After multiple hospitalizations. I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t take medication. A friend told me to read, I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help, by Dr. Xavier Amador.

Dr. Amador wrote about anosognosia, where 40-50 percent of people suffering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder lack insight into their mental illness. I finally had an answer to my son’s mental illness however finding help for him and so many others suffering from SMI is almost non existent.

My daughter Chelsea was in and out of psychiatric hospitals for 16 years with severe mental illness. Today she is doing exceedingly well on clozaril. She has remained out of the hospital for nearly five years and is involved with many mental health and other organizations.

That is why I have partnered with four time Grammy winner, bassist, songwriter, producer and humanitarian Jimmy Haslip to put together a compilation of 9 songs, including my dad’s song “One by One” with all proceeds going directly to the Treatment Advocacy Center.

The money we raise from this GoFundMe will go to musicians and composers to complete this project Blossom.

 

Please join us in donating to this important endeavor to raise awareness and funding for the critical work that TAC does on behalf of everyone impacted by severe mental illness.