Everything Under The Sun: Inspiration From A Young Life

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Inspiration From A Young Life

Riley Sisson, the man with a big heart.

Most of the mental health professionals who work with those who have mental illnesses realize that these disorders are no joke. They are serious and life-affecting. In some cases, those who suffer them can die from the effects.

A young man, Riley Sisson, had obsessive-compulsive disorder, along with addiction. His friend, Shannon Shy writes a remembrance of him in her blog. Unfortunately, Riley died at the age of 25 in September of 2014. The last time she saw Riley, she was with him and his mother in a taxi together after an OCD conference, on the way to the airport. Riley had used substances in order to mask the struggle with the tormenting OCD symptoms, but had maintained a long period of sobriety. As many of those who use substances are inclined to do, Riley used again. But when he did so, he probably used a dosage that was too high for him after the period of sobriety, and so he died from an overdose.

These words from his obituary, describe the Riley most knew: "Those who knew Riley understood he was exceptional. Often drawn to him first by his wit, one soon saw his heart - a big heart - one that embraced all good people. Riley was funny, smart, big, and lovable. He was a talented musician and music brought him great joy. His empathy for others, particularly with struggles and hurt, taught us all a lesson in selflessness. Indeed, he taught us many lessons in his years and his loss will be deeply felt by many. To lose a person so young and so kind and with so much to offer the world is heartbreaking."

Ms. Shy recalls Riley speaking about his experiences at that conference, where he gave two presentations as part of discussion panels. He had a way of connecting with his audience. He was demonstrating how he could be an inspiration for others in the midst of his own struggles.

After Riley's death, it was only natural for those grieving to question themselves about what more they could have done to prevent the ultimate tragedy. But from his death came something a bit more. His friends felt that there was a legacy that Riley would have wanted to be carried out in his name.

Mother, Margaret Sisson, led the way, by establishing RILEY'S WISH FOUNDATION, which leads in OCD advocacy and offers purposeful actions to help those with OCD, particularly those who have the additional struggles with addiction. The organization that had sponsored the conference just two months before Riley's death, the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF), established The Riley Sisson Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide funding to those who wanted to attend their conference, but couldn't afford to do so.

Getting ready for a fund-raising walk that happens in just two days.

Ms. Shy's takeaway message at the end of her post: "So, my friends, I call you to action too. Educate yourself. Reach out. Help those who struggle. As my friend Tim Blue so aptly put it, 'Do something.'"