HEALTH

the same way that we talked about diabetes and high blood pressure or any other physical ailment.” e exhibit begins with Sammy’s story. roughout the exhibit, over a dozen black and white portraits of individuals line the walls. e participants in the photos range from 19 to 32 years old.

Sponsored by the mental health nonpro t, NAMI Colorado Springs, Yeager revealed her portrait series at the Katy Tartako photography gallery in downtown Denver on the one year anniversary of her son’s death.

NAMI, e National Alliance on Mental Illness, o ers free resources, weekly meetings for family members who are struggling with loved ones who have mental illness, along with parent support groups and group therapy.

NAMI is also the sponsor of the exhibit’s current run in Douglas County Libraries.

“ e people who are in the photo show have bravely agreed to participate and share their mental health struggle and a personal statement,” said Yeager.

Most of the people who are in the portraits knew Sam, were friends with the family or were people within the community.

Accompanying each image is a short biography written by the participant. ey talk about their interests and occupations, but also about their struggles with mental health.

“I think people were motivated to participate in the project because it helps them take agency over their struggles,” said Yeager. “And that was de nitely a motivating factor for everyone, regardless of whether or not they knew Sammy.”

Completing its time at the Castle Rock Library, e Sammy Project

As car theft cases continue to skyrocket in the state, lawmakers have introduced a bill to increase penalties for o enders. Local sheri s have signed o on the bill. SHUTTERSTOCK garage,” the sheri ’s o ce said in the release. e sheri ’s o ce said deputies have increased patrols in the area. e agency also asked that residents who think they can identify the men or who may have information about the crimes to call the investigations tip line at 720-874-8477. will move to the Highlands Ranch Library in March, the Parker Library in April and the Lone Tree Library in May, according to Douglas County Libraries. e mission of the project is to help people feel more comfortable talking about their problems and asking for help. Yeager says that she believes her son would be alive if he felt comfortable asking for help.

One of the vehicles was a 2005 black Porsche Carrera that is valued at $60,000, per the release. e other vehicle was a 1975 yellow Porsche 911S Coupe worth $100,000.

According to the release, the men face four felony charges including: second degree burglary, second degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, theft from a building and conspiracy to commit a felony.

“I’ll never stop missing him or “get over” him, but it has taught me to appreciate every conversation, every interaction with other people, especially my two daughters,” said Yeager.

“ e Sammy Project has helped heal my heart and it has helped many people around the country and even as far as Sweden,” said Yeager. “I want Sam’s death to make a positive di erence in the lives of people who struggle with mental health.”