Hello my name is Lenora Whitaker

On February 28th, we lost our daughter, 4 beautiful children lost their mommy and we lost our sister, our cousin and our niece. The most beautiful smile, loving heart and infectious spirit of joy, was taken from all of us on that day. Ruby Lenore Whitaker, age 35, lost her battle against addiction, after struggling with mental health issues for many years! Ruby fought bravely for such a long time with her mental health as she struggled internally, self-medicating along the way. She went from hospital to hospital many times without getting the proper help, only to be released back to the streets. The system’s lack of resources, insurance barriers and simply put, just being labeled an addict, all took their toll and Ruby was left to her own devices which now are no more! Now, the pain, the heartache, the memories, the pieces we are left to try and scramble together for the sake of who we knew Ruby Whitaker was, are all left upon us! We are asking that, if you knew Ruby, if you know someone suffering from mental illness and/or addiction, please help us bury our baby with self-respect and dignity, in her children’s eyes and in the eyes of all who loved her! Any amount, anything you can provide, will help. We truly appreciate you all in advance!

Mental health compromises our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think and act. It also determines how we handle stress. Thus, it is very important at every stage of our lives. Please help the suffering! Mental health and addiction go hand and hand. So many go unnoticed and fall to the wayside. Please help raise awareness so that others can be helped before it’s too late!