The Son of a Famous Actress Shares Her Bipolar Disorder in Houston
Inside Patty Duke’s Struggle
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Jenny Antill Clifton
What: The Menninger Clinic annual luncheon
Where: The Westin Galleria
PC Moment: Whether it was former Menninger patient Debi Strong sharing her story of attempted suicide and recovery at Menninger or actor Sean Astin discussing late actress Patty Duke’s (his mother) battle with bipolar disorder, the midday fundraiser was sobering and inspirational. Emcee Channel 11 CBS personality Deborah Duncan deftly moved the on-stage conversation to Astin’s concluding advice to family members and friends who have loved ones with mental illness: Protect yourself and have faith in your community.
Some 450 mental health supporters joined the event that raised $350,000 to support the clinic that is ranked among the top three psychiatric hospitals in the country. The event honored the Hamill Foundation with the hospital’s Vital Balance Award accepted by the foundation’s grants director Tom Brown.
Key to the luncheon were chair Kathy Neblett, Menninger interim president and CEO Tony Gaglio, board chair Jeff Paine and Menninger Clinic Foundation board chair Vivie O’Sullivan.
Who: Ginger Blanton, Linda Jones, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Jennie Hull, Bess and Rob Wilson, Melanie Gray, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Gaile Withers, Charlie Read, Becky Joy, and Michael Hanson Jr.
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