Child Mind Institute Hosts 12th Annual Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture With Sopranos Star Lorraine Bracco
Academy Award-nominated actress shares her story of living with dyslexia and depression
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) hosted the 12th Annual Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture, featuring a candid conversation between award-winning actress Lorraine Bracco and Child Mind Institute President Dr. Harold Koplewicz. The event brought together more than 400 guests at Rockefeller University for a lively and open discussion about Bracco's experiences living with dyslexia and depression.
"Her strength and dedication really show through," said Dr. Koplewicz. "But I think maybe the most important lesson from today is Lorraine's willingness to get help when she needs it—to not be afraid to speak up and reach out to others sometimes."
Bracco, known for her noteworthy performances in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, opened up about what it was like going through school with dyslexia, mentioning that she didn't think she was smart enough to go to college.
"I was lucky because I had teachers that believed in me," Bracco said. "My one teacher, Mr. Horowitz, was a drama coach, and when I told him I wanted to be a model or an actor, he told me to go for it."
Bracco went on to say that she always wondered where she'd be today if she had been properly diagnosed and treated. She also spoke of her struggles later in life with depression.
The annual Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture program was designed to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health disorders affecting families nationwide. The discussion was followed by a reception where guests were able to speak with clinicians from the Child Mind Institute.
About the Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture
The Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture Series began in 2002 in memory of Adam Katz, a young man who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia. The event attracts hundreds of New York clinicians, researchers, educators, parents, and students. Past honorees include Orlando Bloom (actor), Brian Grazer (producer), Naomi Judd (singer), Trudie Styler (actress, producer, and director), Barbara Corcoran (founder, Corcoran Real Estate Group), Chuck Close (artist), Paul Orfalea (founder, Kinko's), and Ari Emanuel (CEO, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment). The event is made possible by the generosity of Ellen and Howard Katz.
About the Child Mind Institute:
The Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) is dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere. Founded by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz and Brooke Garber Neidich, the organization is committed to finding more effective treatments for childhood psychiatric and learning disorders, building the science of healthy brain development, and empowering children and their families with help, hope, and answers. The Child Mind Institute does not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.
Press Contact:
Child Mind Institute
Alison McSherry 646-625-4341
Alison.McSherry@childmind.org
SOURCE Child Mind Institute
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