Op Eds

     Everyone has their own unique way of dealing with tragedy and trudging through the grief of losing someone they love.

     For David and Laurie Ann Marrano-Johnson, of Oswego, the death of their son, Seth, launched them on a journey to help others cope with the pain and stress, both emotionally and financially, of mental illness.
     "The Seth Project was formed approximately two years after our son took his life," Laurie said. "For years he struggled with severe mental illness and chemical addiction. During these years, we struggled to find counseling services for him as well as fought insurance battles for coverage and consistency."
     David explained their son, Seth, often "fell through the cracks" of the insurance system and was released from hospitals and programs when the insurance coverage was exhausted rather than when he was in stable condition.
     "Outpatient pro-Bono care exists minimally in our county and many of those who do provide this service cannot afford their own health coverage," Laurie said. "Our thought (with The SETH Project) is to provide a fraction of the appointment expense and award it to those who continue to provide care for those in need of assistance."
     At the time of their son's death, Laurie was a Licensed Practical Nurse working with SUNY Upstate Oswego County Radiation Oncology, while David was a nuclear mechanic with Constellation Energy Nuclear Group. Grief and their desire to make a difference for others who were hurting like they were drove them into early retirement, allowing them to focus on their own road to healthier living while taking the first steps on the path of helping others.
     Laurie said initially she and her husband started by contributing some small financial gifts, however, they believed they could contribute more.
     "We decided to use the talents and instincts we possessed to see if we could improve upon our financial contribution to help remove the financial barrier for someone who chooses to take the first step towards wellness – talking and receiving counseling," Laurie explained.
     The SETH Project has now become more than a dream for the Johnson's thanks to the assistance of people like Mary Powers at the Country Cabin and Dr. Jody Fiorini, owner of CreekSide Counseling in Oswego.
     "I became acquainted with the CreekSide counseling staff when our son was in therapy," Laurie said. "Following Seth's death, I was offered a space at their offices to just 'do what I do.' So, it was a natural place to begin to dream."
     She said she spent time speaking with staff and processing what is happening within the community. The need, Laurie asserted, was very clear.
     "There is little to no funding for those among us who have limited insurance and/or no money to get help for their illness," she pointed out.
     "And when I speak about our new business and promote its mission, most people are speechless and change the subject," David added. "It's hard to believe this reaction to (mental) illness still exists."
     CreekSide is now working with the SETH Project to help others get the counseling they need regardless of their financial status.
     "How awesome is that?" Laurie asked in amazement. "Is there any other medical facility you can walk in that offers this? We must work hard to support those professionals who are giving their efforts and time to perform this service in our community."
     Initially, the Johnson's, who both grew up in families that had an irresistible pull toward history and art, have raised funding for the project by using their creative talents for finding and rejuvenating vintage or antique items.
     "Both of our parents were artists," Laurie pointed out. "My mother insisted that I could draw and paint with oils. I didn't."
     But what she did do, she said, was to truly appreciate the work of others by attending auctions and "rescuing" vintage items.
     "While I was growing up, repurposing and recycling was a necessary creative way of life for me," Laurie said. "So really, David and I have built on our existing knowledge and experience to raise funds for the SETH Project.
     David is a wood worker who said he truly enjoys creating items that have both decorative value and purpose. Together, the Johnson's have experience in tracking down unique items that have a practical use and are antique or vintage in age, albeit without documentation, but observed history.
     They began their mission by emptying a good portion of their home and currently have offerings of collectibles, vintage artwork, vintage jewelry and handcrafted items at the Country Cabin, 456 Meyers Road, in Scriba.
     "We both give items some tender loving care and while many are not fully restored to their former glory, most items will live on in an improved state or are redesigned and repurposed to be sold to someone who can appreciate not only the artful concept, but the object and its history," Laurie said.
     "It truly is all about art. Art is such an excellent therapy that encompasses all, including fabric artists, wood artists, potters, and painters and jewelers, to name just a few."
     To that end, they are in the process of securing gallery space within the city of Oswego, hoping to meet the needs of artists within the community to provide additional grant money for the SETH Project Foundation, recently established as the financial resource supporting mental health within Oswego County.
     This not-for-profit foundation, established within the CNY Community Foundation, will receive profits from their business and the gifts and donations, she explained, will be tax deductible and distributed to support mental health services programs in our area.
     Board members of the foundation include Christina Keim, MS, counselor and office manager at CreekSide Counseling; Jody Fiorini, PhD, owner of CreekSide Counseling and associate professor at SUNY Oswego; Nathanael Wootten, digital marketing manager, Small Business with The Hartford, Mary Beth Wootten, BSA Psych; Eric Bresee, crisis and development services director with Oswego County Opportunities and a New York State licensed mental health counselor; and Joseph Johnson, vice-president of Oswego Valley Abstract.
     Anyone wishing to contribute to The SETH project by donating an object of art, including quilts, paintings, prints, pottery, etc. that needs a new home – or to make a donation – may contact the Johnson's at 315-532-9868.
     "While we are not professional restorers, we do believe we are accomplished 'affectionados' of craftsmen and their art," Laurie said with a smile. "It is in this spirit we support rescuing and restoring the chosen items as objects worth purchasing. When a SETH project is purchased, you are choosing to assist in the rescue and restoration effort of not just a valued item, but a valued person who has a story, who has been damaged and who can become even more beautiful."
     To learn more about the SETH Project, visit http://sethproject.com/.