Thank you, I enjoyed working with you and whole heartily believe in the work you are doing. It changes lives. I look forward to working together in the future. Nancy

Your play about mental illness devised from personal stories was powerful. It opened a door for my students, and they have been walking through that door everyday now since. Avi Lessing Oak Park River Forest High School Teacher

The performance was amazing. I’ve had so many great conversations with our volunteers and students who attended the event. It really had a huge impact on us and will definitely transfer over to our client service. L. Mullany National Student Partnerships

I feel like it was a God-send that I was at your show last night. I had LITERALLY had a conversation with a co-worker yesterday about the depression that her husband has battled for years. I tried to be empathetic, but I think I really could only sympathize. Last night helped me to understand a glimmer of what she must be experiencing. — Tawanna Audience Member

I would definitely recommend Erasing the Distance to others! The need to heal, to see hope and strength, to see people overcome and move forward is so important! Your show does that! Carol Trinity High School, Counselor

The performance last night was just wonderful! You have really done a superb job of portraying mental illness in a sympathetic and accessible way. Jennifer Gray NAMI Family to Family Education Teacher

The show rocked!! As someone who saw it before, it seemed even better than the first time. I think the actors pinpointed each mental illness and displayed the array of emotions that often accompany such conditions. The show also challenged the audience to step outside their commonly held views and see mental illness as a condition that can be inherited, rather than something that is brought on by a tragic event or a series of bad experiences. I would certainly recommend ETD to others. Julian Thompson Social Work Legacy Project, Loyola University

The show was done beautifully and sensitively! Keep up the great work! — Diane Loyola University Student

I just saw Erasing the Distance at UIC last week and found it to be a phenomenal experience. I believe that EVERYONE IN THE WORLD should see this show and be part of the dialogue. I would like to try to bring the performance to my church-The First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. I’ve just helped to start up a Disability Awareness Committee at the church and I thought this performance could be a great first event held by our group. Katie Keiling UIC student and Disability Services Coordinator

I went to this and found it to be one of the most compelling pieces I’ve seen in a long time. I was especially taken by the response it created during the post-performance discussion. People were relating to the stories told onstage and making deep connections with their own lives, and the lives of loved ones. One walked away feeling great compassion for the mostly “invisible” struggles so many go through every day. I hope the DU community will participate in part two of this. Jeffrey Carlson Dean of the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences at Dominican University

I just had to let you know how astonishing, moving and valuable I found the performance. As a person who has struggled with depression/anxiety, I found it so very healing and personal. As a theatre creator, I marveled at your success in engaging both our hearts and our analytical minds. — Julie Audience member

I was in awe from the performance. I think the stories were acted not only with great skills but in a very authentic manner. Kathy Sexton-Radek Professor of Psychology, Elmhurst College

It was an eye opening performance. I really enjoyed it, and as touching as each story was I didn’t walk away “emotionally drained or down.” As a matter of fact it was inspiring. The more people who experience the show, the better. It really does make a difference! Maura Zurek Parent. Whitney Young High School

Your show truly captures its mission—bringing light to Mental Illness. I do a lot of things at Olive-Harvey, but I have never been so lavishly thanked by the students. I believe it is because this was a matter that they have been yearning to discuss, but no one has given them an opportunity for such a frank and mediated examination. I know this performance will go a long way towards improving a lot of attitudes and dispelling a lot of disbelief about mental illness, drugs, therapy, and even race. Professor Jewel Younge Olive-Harvey College

The show inspired me to keep going – even as a person without a mental illness. — Brandon

I never understood OCD beyond the common knowledge of frequent checking, rechecking, and worrying. I saw details of my own life in the OCD portrayal which I never would have thought could have been due to OCD. Thank you for shining the light. Anonymous

I really identified with all the characters. I am bi-polar and spoke out during the talk back, feeling very comfortable in this setting. My companion just admitted his deepening depression and suicidal ideation as we sat here. Traci

Thank you for doing this work. It was very well done and helps break the silence. Anonymous

I’ve seen this show a few times now and still walk away inspired and moved every time. Keep up the excellent work. You all are amazing! Anonymous

A poignant, human, real performance. This show is a tremendous resource. — Anonymous

I think that all people, especially those in the mental health field, should see these shows to remind them that those with mental illnesses are real people and that their illnesses not only affect them, but also those around them. Meaghan Social worker

What an impactful way to stimulate conversation around topics and issues we all face in some form. It shows people struggling yet finding their way out. Very beautiful and positive – and real. Amy Audience member

Telling my story to Erasing the Distance has been truly cathartic! Before telling my story, I sort of acknowledged my bipolar disorder, but never talked about it and told few people about it. But since I told my story I have begun to accept the diagnosis, actually read up about it and am returning to therapy to help me better manage the symptoms. Thank you and your wonderful organization for helping me own my mental illness! Joan Storyteller