April 3, 2019
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will present the documentary “Cracked Up” on April 24 at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., as part of the 10th annual Faces of Resilience fundraising event featuring comedian/actor Darrell Hammond, who has teamed up with director Michelle Esrick to share his personal struggles with trauma.
This event benefits the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Ohio State Harding Hospital’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program.
“Cracked Up” explores the impact that childhood trauma can have over a lifetime through the story of Hammond, an award-winning comedian, impressionist and “Saturday Night Live” veteran.Renowned for his impressions of Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Sean Connery and more, Hammond performed for years on live TV, but behind the scenes he suffered from debilitating flashbacks, self-injury, addiction and misdiagnosis, until the right doctor helped him confront the traumatic memories his brain had locked away for more than 50 years.
Esrick uses a balance between comedy and tragedy to help viewers understand the biological effects of childhood trauma and break down barriers of stigma.
The Faces of Resilience event includes the documentary screening, followed by a Q&A session with Hammond and Esrick and a dessert reception. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the film at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and $5 for students. Purchase tickets online at https://my.wexarts.org/0/1010.
As part of the event, a new award will pay tribute to the memory and lasting contributions by Nancy Jeffrey to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health during the past two decades. She passed away in November 2018 at the age of 88.
“Nancy Jeffrey has been a passionate advocate of mental health services in our central Ohio community for years before I had the distinct pleasure of knowing her. It’s no surprise her generous support was focused on creating access and systems of care, including creation of the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board (ADAMH) of Franklin County that promote access to care for the entire community,” Amanda Lucas, executive director of clinical operations at Ohio State’s Neurological Institute and executive director of Ohio State Harding Hospital said.
The inaugural Nancy Jeffrey award will be presented to David Royer, CEO of ADAMH of Franklin County, and Austin King Stumpp, president and CEO of Netcare.
In addition, the 2019 STAR Award for compassionate contributions in trauma will be awarded to the City of Westerville for their response to the on-duty deaths of two of their police officers last year.
The STAR Program connects with first responders in central Ohio and around the state to help build resilience and support for those who are counted on in an emergency. Westerville Fire Chief Brian Miller and Interim Police Chiefs Charles Chandler and Holly Murchland will accept the award on behalf of the City of Westerville.
Irene and Theodore Adams are serving as the event's honorary chairs. Premier STAR sponsors who have donated $50,000 or more include Lbrands Foundation, Nancy and Tad Jeffrey Family and George Kontogiannis. Stellar STAR sponsors who have donated $25,000 or more include the Burgdoerfer family, Barbara Rayden, Barbara and Al Siemer – Siemer Family Foundation and Dr. Lee Shackelford.
Media should call the Media Relations office at 614-293-3737 to make arrangements to cover this event.
# # #
Media Contact: Eileen Scahill, 614-293-3737 or Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu