Staff Report
Renowned grief expert Terry L. Wise, author of Waking Up: Climbing Through the Darkness, will speak about caregiving, suicide and recovery at the Detweiler Auditorium at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.
Wise is the recipient of a National Mental Health Award for “distinguished achievement and work that has had a major impact on the depression community.” Widowed at 35 following her spouse’s death from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), and after surviving a near-fatal suicide attempt, Wise spent the next several years in treatment. A former Boston trial attorney, Wise has since devoted her life to international public speaking and full-time writing.
“Terry Wise has done much to promote the understanding of depression and reduce the shame and guilt associated with the illness,” said Andrée Gitchell, director, RMH Center for Behavioral Health. “She offers powerful insights about the entire process of suicide attempts, grief and recovery—especially for caregivers.”
The presentation is free and open to the public. No registration is required, and refreshments will be served.
For more information, call Andrée Jeannotte, RMH Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, 540.433.4430.