and also to grow. Unfortunately,
at the age of 24, his own bout
with illness took him from his
family and this world.
As Mia St. John stated, “the pain
became too great for him and I
dare not say he lost the battle - he
simply chose to set himself free.”
Her son battled with mental illness
for many years, but only at
the age of 18 was he diagnosed
with schizophrenia. The chronic
and often degenerative condition
can devastate not only individuals,
but their families as well.
Approximately 1.2 percent of
Americans, around 3.2 million
people, suffer from this condition.
Worldwide, experts estimate that
around 77 million people may
have this disorder.
St. John added that the loss of her
son strengthened her determination
to fight for the cause, saying
“My fight for mental health will
continue. They may not find a
cure in my lifetime, but we can
try and prevent the loss of another
beautiful soul.”
Julian St. John’s legacy lives on
at “Stone Art.”
At Stone Art Studio, young adults
suffering from mental illness can
enjoy classes in art, yoga, boxing,
and more. Those struggling with
homelessness and addiction issues
have also found a safe place.
El Saber Es Poder
Knowledge is Power
Well before tragedy took her son
from herself, his father and their
daughter Paris, Mia St. John used
the celebrity gained from five
world boxing championships to
positive effect.
Her foundation, El Saber Es
Poder (Knowledge Is Power),
works to promote mental health.
St. John’s mother Maria Elena
Socorro Rosales, originally from
the scenic state of Zacatecas in
Mexico, raised her children with
this mantra. All three used her
values as inspiration in their own
lives, earning college degrees and
enjoying life success.
With mental illness in particular,
knowledge does provide power.
Too often, mental illness comes
with dangerous misconceptions
and stigma. Many assume that all
mentally ill people pose a threat
to those around them, or are
somehow incapable of functioning
normally.
This causes those who suffer from
mental disorders to shy away
from seeking help, and to blame
themselves for not being able to
deal with their problems.
Knowledge of the nature of mental
illness provides the power to
bring sufferers back to healthy
and happy lives. When doctors,
patients, and loved ones consider
mental illness in the same way as
they should a physical illness,
i.e. as a condition needing expert
treatment and family support, this
approach has the power to truly
spark healing.
The foundation has helped thousands
in the United States and
Mexico, and has provided an invaluable
benefit to the lives of so
many. In 2008, the foundation
teamed up with technology company
Micron to deliver 30 computers,
internet connections, and
(Connued on page 28)
Internaonal Pain Foundaon—27