By Deb Brubaker
Selinsgrove High School junior Krystal Duke chose to do her graduation project on the Pennsylvania National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI PA) for various reasons, the most important being that her older sister, Chelsey, has bi-polar disorder.
“I want to make a change and raise awareness in my community about mental illness and how common it really is,” said Duke. “I want people to know they aren’t alone.”
On Sept. 20, Duke captained a team of more than 50 family and friends and participated in the NAMI Walk in Harrisburg at the state capitol. To date “Team Chey” (named after Duke’s sister, Chelsey) raised more than $5,000, exceeding last year’s $1,000. The money will be used to fund NAMI programs in Pennsylvania.
Duke also won first place for her Team Chey T-shirt design.
On Oct. 7, Duke received NAMI Participation and Achievement Awards for her Team Chey First Place finish.
“Krystal comes from a family that values its members,” said Jim Jordan, NAMI PA executive director. “Many young people would be intimidated by the challenges presented by having an older sister who has a mental illness. Krystal, however, has decided to help educate the public. She is fighting stigma and, we think, serves as a shining example, a light to those in need of a voice of advocacy. She is a true ‘Krystal of Light’ bringing understanding love and education to so many who are faced with the challenges presented by mental illness and community ignorance.”
On Oct. 31, Duke received the Michael Altruism Award given by the Michael Lynn Shatto Memorial Foundation. “We chose Krystal in recognition of her superior directorial performance, loyal support which extends at least five years, extensive volunteering, provision of tools for education and fund-raising events, participation in mental health activities, development strategies to help accomplish cause goals, generous monetary contributions, ongoing personal sacrifices, and her unselfish regard and devotion to the welfare of mental health consumers,” said vice president Ben Shatto, father of Michael Shatto.
It’s personal
Emotional throughout the interview, Duke talked about her love for her sister and the stigma surrounding mental illness. “It makes me angry when people casually throw around words like ‘oh, you’re so bi-polar or retarded,’” she said. “They don’t realize they could be offending people around them.”
Duke referenced the 2008 hit single by Katy Perry, “Hot and Cold,” which contains the lyrics “Someone call the doctor, you’ve got a case of love bi-polar.” Duke has personally seen how the stigma associated with mental illness affects people. “When people meet Chelsey, I want them to see who she really is — her mental illness doesn’t define who she is.” When asked how she defines her sister, Duke said, “Perfect. She’s a good soccer player, we enjoy playing basketball, and she loves to color.”
Jeff and Melanie Duke are very proud of their daughter. “Some kids wouldn’t think of taking on a task like Krystal has,” said Melanie. “She watches as Chelsey struggles when things aren’t going well and that scares Krystal. Rather than letting it get her down, she’s working to make things better for people with mental illness.”
Jeff Duke believes it’s Krystal’s faith in God that inspires her work. “She’s well-rounded in her religious beliefs.” “She’s doesn’t follow trends — she’s an original, with a big, but soft heart,” added Melanie.
Krystal says it’s not too late to make a donation to NAMI Walks on behalf of Team Chey. Checks can be sent to NAMI, 2149 N. Second St., Harrisburg, 17110-1005, or on www.nami.org under “donate.” Reference Team Chey when donating.
