Maria turned her family's experience with schizophrenia into a mission to reduce stigma and connect families with mental health support.
Maria is a paid spokesperson for Bristol Myers Squibb.
Maria’s advocacy journey began at home. Growing up in a Latino family, she later experienced firsthand the isolation, misunderstanding and stigma that can surround mental illness after her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
As her mother's condition worsened without a diagnosis, Maria faced an unimaginable decision: calling the police for help during a mental health crisis.
Rather than letting those experiences define her family, Maria turned them into a purpose. She became determined to help other families facing similar challenges and to break down the stigma that often prevents people from seeking support.
Today, Maria leads Kompashion, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services and resources. Through its work, the organization helps reduce language, cultural and financial barriers that can make it difficult for families to access care.
What started as a daughter's effort to help her mother became a mission to support mental health, foster understanding and ensure families know they are not alone. Watch Maria's video to learn how she transformed her family's experience into advocacy and hope.
Video Transcript
Calling the authorities on my mother, it wasn't because we didn't love her, it was because we were scared.
My name is Maria Case. I was born and raised in Orange County, California, proud daughter of two immigrant parents who came here from Mexico, Zacatecas.
My mother always saw the good in people. If someone needed support. She always found a way to help them. She was always a very compassionate, loving, empathetic person.
My mother's journey with schizophrenia started during menopause. It started with hot flashes, cold flashes, depression. But then it turned into hallucinations. We had no idea what was going on. We didn't have a name for it.
There was a point in time where my mother ran in front of a car, so we knew we needed to get her to the hospital. That is the reason why we called the authorities, to make sure that she was safe.
I started working to change how people in my community understood mental health. It's not just our family, it's the whole Latino community itself.
We didn't grow up with the framework on how to seek support, how to share our feelings. Speaking about mental health is a weakness in our culture.
Kompashion is here to serve anybody seeking support with mental illness. If Spanish speaking programs are not available, that's where we bridge the gap so families can get the support that they need.
My mom is now thriving. She went two years without knowing who we were. And now they're enjoying dance parties.
Our personal struggles can become our greatest tools for helping others.
That's why We Won't Lose.
Because your story can help inspire another.
If you're successfully managing your condition, we'd love to hear about your experience. It could make a difference for someone else.
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