The Forgotten Survivors: a sister's journey through her brother's mental illness

Book Synopsis: The Forgotten Survivors explores the unique experience of siblings who have a brother or sister with a serious mental illness. The book provides insight and guidance in how to move the sibling bond forward even if the relationship has been marred by turmoil and separation. Some siblings just don't know what to do, and often it's easier for them to do nothing. Others are exhausted from balancing the needs of their aging parents, their ill sibling, and raising their own families. Through all of their efforts, no one bothers to ask them how they are doing. No one recognizes the trauma they have experienced each time their sibling was hospitalized, or each time their mother or father fell apart. These siblings hold in their emotions. The Forgotten Survivors will challenge you to forgive, to love, and to unify.

Shannon Jaccard is an advocate, entrepreneur, coach, and professional speaker. Shannon Jaccard was the CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego and Founder of Compeer San Diego. Shannon serves on several boards including RI International and the Meeting Place Clubhouse. Shannon has received numerous awards such as; the Rona and Ken Purdy Award to End Discrimination and the Channel 10 News Leadership Award. She was named one of San Diego's "50 People to Watch" by San Diego Magazine. Shannon has published several articles bringing to light the experiences siblings share when a loved one has a mental illness and is an international speaker on stigma, labels, and mental illness. Shannon earned her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and her Master's of Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos. Shannon is an Aspen Institute Fellow of the inaugural class of the Health Innovators Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Through her professional work, advocacy, and speaking engagements, Shannon has worked with hundreds of family members around the globe to provide support, education, and hope. You can find more information about Shannon, plus tips and support, at her website: www.shannonjaccard.com or on Instagram @ShannonJaccard.