In search of tomorrow’s breakthroughs

Research is attracting enlightened supporters committed to driving new treatments. These are a few of their stories.

Valerie and Andy Pringle have big dreams.

"We have dreams of a time when people won’t suffer from mental illness," Valerie says. "That starts with children. Getting the right help at the right time can mean all the difference in their lives."

To make that dream a reality, they’re supporting a study of brain stimulation in young people with first-episode psychosis. Valerie, co-host of CAMH’s Transforming Lives Awards and a Foundation board member, and Andy know first-hand the power of early intervention. Their daughter, Catherine, received care for anxiety at CAMH.

"Mental health is such an exciting frontier, but the amount we don’t know is huge," Valerie says. "Now is the time to come to the table—we have to support this research."

Ron Brenneman has always been a big believer in science. He and his wife, Jan Brenneman, are now also big believers in Dr. James Kennedy.

Having taken the guesswork out of treating schizophrenia, Dr. Kennedy is now developing personalized treatments for alcohol-use and depression, with Ron and Jan’s support. Such a goal has a special importance to the Brennemans, whose son, Tyler, died after suffering from depression and alcohol-use disorder.

"Promising science has to be followed to find out where it leads, and this is at a very promising stage," Ron says. "We’re hopeful other people can be helped in the long run—and saved where our son could not be."

"I think any research that can help people like our son is something we would like to see pursued," adds Jan. "We hope these resources can help move the research along more quickly."

For Susan Caskey and John Francis, supporting efforts that get to the root of mental illness is the best way to have the greatest impact. They have created the Caskey/Francis Family Award in Clinical Research to drive the treatments of tomorrow while helping people through clinical care today.

"The big goal, of course, is to cure mental illness," says Susan, who sits on CAMH Foundation’s Board of Directors and the hospital’s Research Committee. "We really believe that if we could prevent—rather than simply treat—mental illness that we would be able to save so many more lives. If we could help people live healthier, happier lives through these research awards, that would be a wonderful goal attained."