Alison Baker-Jamieson is honouring a college friend.
Flora’s Walk for perinatal mental health is at Hollinger Park on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. It's raising money for mental health support for expectant and new mothers.
The event is named for Flora’s Babakhani, who, after giving birth to her daughter Amber, developed postpartum psychosis. While her family attempted to get her help when she was in crisis, she died by suicide on Jan. 14, 2022.
Baker-Jamieson met Babakhani when they were both attending the University of Western Ontario.
“We lived in the same building for two years,” she said. “In my third year at Western, there was a small group that lived above the cafeteria at the residence, and Flora was a part of that group, and so was I.”
Babakhani’s story is available on the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Colaborative’s website.
Baker-Jamieson had her own experience with post-partum psychosis after the birth of her daughter 10 years ago and said that help isn’t always easy to access.
“It’s a long journey, and I had a lot of support,” she said. “It’s that initial crisis that is when it’s hardest.”
Post-partum psychosis is relatively rare, with 1-2 people in 1000 developing sudden paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, insomnia, and thoughts of self-harm.
“A lot of people suffer alone,” said Baker-Jamieson.
The walk is a way to pay tribute to the person she knew and help those who need support find it.
The event will feature booths with information and resources set up in Hollinger Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a silent auction.
Registration starts at 10 a.m., and the walk to and around Gillies Lake starts at 10:45 a.m.
The chance to keep funds locally this year was a big part of Baker-Jamieson’s decision to set up the event.
“Other years, Flora’s walk, the money has gone to other foundations, but this year, they decided to let the team leaders raise money for their areas,” she said.
Of the funds raised, 75 per cent will go to the Timmins and District Hospital for perinatal mental health programs, and 25 per cent will go to the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative.
Any donations can be made at the Flora’s Walk Timmins page.
“Part of what I’m doing is trying to let people know where you can get help and what organizations offer help,” said Baker-Jamieson.
