Part of the legacy of Perry Wellness Center and founder and CEO Stuart Perry is contained in the book “Journey for Life,” written by fellow mental health advocate, the late Rudy Hayes. The book followed Stuart’s 1,000-mile walking journey from Americus to Chicago to promote mental health screening by physicians. More than a quarter of a century after the events of this book occurred, we are planning some looks back. Many of the people featured in the book, such as former President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter and Rudy, have passed on, as well as members of the Perry and Keene families. Part of their legacy is also captured in the 191 pages of the book.

In Chapter 4 of “Journey for Life,” the author recounted:

"When Stuart Perry considers his life in retrospect, he never fails to see that but for the love and support of so many different individuals and organizations, but even moreover the grace of God, he might well not even be among the living today.

Instead, he has overcome tremendous obstacles and odds, until today he is certainly among the foremost consumer advocates in the entire nation for persons with depression and mental illness. His supporters are not only impressive, but they can be found throughout the United States, as well as his own native Georgia. They range from former President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter to Millard and Linda Fuller, co-founders of Habitat for Humanity International, as well as the National Mental Health Association, the American Medical Association, and a long-time list of mental health groups covering all U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Stuart's backers tend to become dedicated immediately to what he stands for and are eager to actively assist him in his anti-stigma campaign. ’What can I do to help you? ‘they often may ask, after he speaks at a rally or presentation. People are truly touched by what they hear,many can identify with him because they may be consumers themselves, and he comes across easily as a person they believe and admire personally.

In addition to his immediate family, Stuart credits two persons who supported him most from the outset of his illness until he was able to return to work four years later. They are his mother-in law and father -in law, Mickey Keene and the Rev. Clarence Keene of Oglethorpe, Ga, a smaller town about twenty miles north of Americus. 

Stuart says excitedly, ‘Without the strong belief and faith they had in me, I'd never be the Stuart Perry I am today, out there almost every day trying to empower others to realize they can free themselves of mental illness and depression. That they don't have to give up and throw in the towel to this monster depression, because it can be successfully treated. That they can build a new life and be productive again.’ “

In the photo above, Stuart Perry catches up on spring lawn mowing, displaying the weight loss of 40+ pounds he had gained over a four-year period. It began to fade away as he grew stronger again, and physically he began to resemble the competitive athlete he had been in high school and college. 

“I feel like a new man,” Stuart said.