“Sometimes the most important people stand at the fringes of the spotlight.”

That is one of the many messages shared at the 28^th annual Breaking the Silence by Ali Astin, our guest speaker who is a third-generation mental health advocate and actor. As the daughter of Sean Astin and granddaughter of Patty Duke, Ali reflected on the role family and support systems play in caring for someone with mental illness. We’re incredibly grateful for Ali stepping in as our speaker on short notice and adding perhaps, the most dynamic voice yet to our annual event.

Ali is an actor and producer in her own right, having graduated from Harvard University where she earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in dramatic arts and is currently pursuing her PhD. Her research focuses on the intersection of storytelling and mental well-being, exploring how creative expression can facilitate emotional awareness.

Using powerful storytelling techniques, Ali shared a series of compelling family stories, drawing upon her family’s experiences to emphasize the importance of open discussions about mental health and inspiring audience members to embrace empathy and creativity in nurturing a healthier society.

More than 500 attendees joined us at the Holland Center for Breaking the Silence 2024. Over the years, we have welcomed acclaimed actors, athletes, singers, authors and more to share their stories and experiences with us during our annual educational event. A consistent theme is that mental health does not pick or choose. It impacts us all. And if we can better understand the lived experience of those whose achievements we most admire, perhaps we can better understand and empathize with the people who may be struggling around us and appreciate how they also enrich our lives.

Thank you to everyone — supporters, partners, families, staff, and volunteers— who joined in Breaking the Silence 2024. We are grateful for you.