Danielle Leedy
Danielle “Dani” Leedy lit up every room she entered. Her dazzling smile, boisterous personality and infectious laugh drew people to her. From the time she was a teen, she went out of her way to help people in need – to the point of bringing in people off the streets to live with her family. She had a way of making people feel special, and exuded a confidence that matched her accomplished professional life. “A force” is how her stepfather Jeff Heck describes her.
What few people knew is that Dani battled depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and body-image issues. She had tried to take her own life three times, at the ages of 15, 20 and 22. The mask she wore so skillfully is called “smiling depression.” Its dark, impulsive currents coursed beneath her radiant façade even as she managed her mental illness from the age of 15 with the help of counseling and medication.
33 Forever Shares About Saturday s Mental Health Birthday Walk In Mansfield iheart.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from iheart.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to register and walk together. Fun and entertainment options at the end of the walk in the Carrousel area will include free carrousel rides for walkers and their families, magic, balloons, music, food and drink options, as well as information booths from local mental health organizations.
Register early and get a T-shirt
Walkers should register in advance at www.33forever.life to ensure getting event T-shirts, but registration will be available the day of the event, as well. Registration for individual walkers is $33 and family units are $66. See the 33 Forever website for more details.