Why KSF was formedKarla's seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder began when she was 19. It culminated with her suicide at age 26. In her memory, the Smith family continues her commitment to help other families face these challenges.

The Karla Smith Foundation, founded by Tom, her father, Fran, her mother, and Kevin, her twin brother, is an avenue to share family experiences which similarly impact thousands of others.

Purpose of KSFWith support groups, peer-to-peer coaching, education programs, and awareness events, the KSF helps bring balance into lives that are affected by people with mental illness or suicide of a loved one.

About Our Slogan ? Hope For a Balanced LifeMental illness and suicide create an imbalance in the emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral lives of the family and friends of someone with mental illness as well as suicide survivors. Most often the family and friends are confused, empty, and frustrated by the behavior of their loved one. Their life balance is gone, and they see little hope for a ?normal? life.