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It’s hard to know how to cope after tragedy strikes. Everyone deals with loss differently, and for actor and comedian David Spade, that meant to help others and try to prevent further tragedies.
After his sister-in-law Kate Spade’s suicide, Spade wanted to do something to honor Kate. PEOPLE exclusively shared that David made a $100,000 donation to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Kate Spade’s death was confirmed a suicide on June 5, 2018, at the age of 55. "More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support," Spade said. "If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need."
According to the organization's website, NAMI is “the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.”
With so many people suffering from mental health issues, it is important to bring it into the conversation. Mental health has been a taboo topic for too long, causing people to suffer in silence and shame. Organizations like NAMI help spread awareness of mental health issues, and guide people to find the help that they need. When celebrities speak out about their own mental health issues, it makes people understand that they are normal and not alone.
Over the last few years, celebrities have understood the power of being open about mental health, and have formed mental health communities, spreading mental health awareness while breaking down stigmas.
"We are grateful to David Spade for his generous contribution," NAMI tweeted in response to David's donation. "This donation will allow us to continue to provide support and advance our mission of building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness."
We are grateful to @DavidSpade for his generous contribution. This donation will allow us to continue to provide support and advance our mission of building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
— NAMI (@NAMICommunicate) June 14, 2018
Hours after her death, David Spade paid tribute to Kate by sharing a favorite photo of the two of them, “Fuzzy picture but I love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard,” said the caption.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, don’t be silent - please contact the national US suicide prevention hotline at +1 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more.
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