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Holidays from the Heart remembers patients of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - 12/22/2021

Dec. 22—Anne Alter walked back into UMPC Western Psychiatric Hospital in Oakland on Friday — but not as a patient this time.

She walked in as someone who is living proof that it's possible to be well and live in recovery.

Alter returned to sing a moving Hanukkah song at Holidays from the Heart, a campaign that raised funds and collected donations to provide gift bags to all patients staying at UMPC Western Psychiatric Hospital over the holiday season.

This time of year can be an emotional rollercoaster for those alone in a hospital.

"I was in here two times over the holidays," said Alter, of Wilkinsburg. "It was especially hard to not be with my family. It's awful. That's why it was important for me to be here."

Knowing someone cares about you when you are finding it difficult to care about yourself can be uplifting during the holidays, according to Will Aikins, a peer specialist for UPMC and co-chair of Holidays from the Heart.

The Lower Burrell resident is in recovery from bipolar 1 disorder, a condition that causes depression and irritable mood swings, and is focused on helping others.

Aikins teamed with family friend, renowned mezzo-soprano and Pittsburgh Festival Opera artistic director Marianne Cornetti to create Holidays from the Heart.

Cornetti, a Rosslyn Farms resident and Cabot native, said arts organizations such as the Pittsburgh Festival Opera often reach out for support. She wanted to be the one offering the support. Last year, due to the covid-19 protocol, Western Psychiatric Hospital patients weren't able to have visitors at Christmas.

"It broke my heart," said Cornetti, who is planning the Music Mends Minds concert on June 5 at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland to raise money for next year's gifts. "I thought, 'what if we did something for these children?'"

At last year's inaugural event, presents were given to children and adolescent patients. The event was held in the parking garage because of covid-19. This year there were more than 300 gifts — for all patients. Friday's festivities took place in the hospital's courtyard.

Cornetti dressed as Mrs. Claus and fellow opera singer Kevin Glavin as Santa Claus. They performed holiday songs.

Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, said the outpouring of support is tremendous.

"The prevalence of those with behavioral health conditions has increased, especially in young people who haven't been able to be with their friends in school and older people who can't see their loved ones," Brodine said.

Deborah Wasilchak, chief program officer, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, part of the UPMC insurance services division, said she can only imagine the moment of joy for the individuals who receive these presents.

"They are not in their homes this holiday and that can bring a heightened sense of isolation, loneliness and despair," she said. "Having people who care about them impacts their lives in a positive way."

Having Alter and Aikins share their journey with someone who is currently living a similar experience is priceless, Brodine said.

"It is so valuable to talk with someone who has been there," Brodine said. "They need to know someone cares about them and loves them. Empathy is so important."

Aikins agreed.

"Being a patient over the holidays can be crushing," Aikins said. "They miss being around their family. They are in their lowest place. These gifts will give them a moment to think about something else."

Aikins' mother, Maria Aikins of Lower Burrell, said she hopes to end the stigma associated with mental health and embrace and support and encourage those who are suffering.

"Our son has mastered this journey of fear, then acceptance and now empowerment. He is an inspiration," Maria Aikins said. "Holidays from the Heart represents the true meaning of Christmas — thinking about others — at a time when these people might normally be forgotten behind closed doors."

Donations came from events held throughout the year, donors and businesses. Carol Kinkela, owner of Carabella, a women's clothing and accessories boutique in Oakmont, said she wanted to be a part of this event.

"When Will shared his story, we jumped in with both feet wanting to do something to raise the awareness and create an openness about mental health struggles," said Kinkela, who has also raised money for Alzheimer's Association. "The brain is the most important organ in your body. Everything functions from there."

Will Aikins said being able to help others is a dream for him because a peer specialist played a massive role in his recovery.

He looked at the colorful bags filled with blankets, toys and flannel shirts.

"There are so many people who struggle with mental health, and I want them to know they aren't alone," he said. "I was angry and I felt alone and that no one cared. I hit rock bottom. It is a hard road, but it is possible to get through it. There is hope."

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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