Mental Health America – a proud member charity of Community
Health Charities and the leading advocacy organization addressing the full
spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and their effects nationwide –
works to inform, advocate and enable access to quality behavioral health
services for all Americans.
Mental Health America continues its tradition of celebrating
May as Mental Health Month, which began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental
health conditions and mental wellness for all.
To Joe Abruzzese, Chuck Fruit was more than a friend. He was a hero, who wore his power -- and his pain -- ever so lightly. A top marketing executive at Coca Cola and a kidney transplant recipient, Fruit, who died last year, also happened to be a champion fundraiser and passionate cheerleader in his role as NKF’s Chairman. So when he asked Abruzzese,president of sales for Discovery Communications, to chair the Springtime in New York Gala at Lincoln Center, it was a done deal.
To Joe Abruzzese, Chuck Fruit was more than a friend. He was a hero, who wore his power -- and his pain -- ever so lightly. A top marketing executive at Coca Cola and a kidney transplant recipient, Fruit, who died last year, also happened to be a champion fundraiser and passionate cheerleader in his role as NKF’s Chairman. So when he asked Abruzzese,president of sales for Discovery Communications, to chair the Springtime in New York Gala at Lincoln Center, it was a done deal. Abruzzese, a city kid who grew up in Newark and won a baseball scholarship to college, considered Fruit’s wish akin to a revered coach’s command. “I always played catcher, the so-called captain of the team,” says Abruzzese, 61. “The catcher is the only player who faces every player, and every player looks to him for guidance, direction, inspiration, support,” says Abruzzese, explaining not only his determination to do Fruit and the NKF proud, but his philosophy of life. “People are counting on you. You don’t let them down!” Already, Abruzzese helped get the prestigious National Advertising Council to endorse the NKF’s “Love Your Kidneys,” campaign, crucial to securing free public service announcements in various media outlets. Abruzzese is also happy to report that Discovery Health Channel, one of the company’s 13 stations, has and will continue to give airtime to NKF public service spots. “I’ve only just begun,” he promises.“ The best is yet to come!” In his spare time, Abruzzese, a married father of three, cycles competitively for charities and for fun, works out with a trainer, and for more contemplative pursuits, builds model ships and restores antique Corvettes. Not a day goes by, however, that he doesn’t miss his friend Chuck. “He was a great guy and brilliant marketer, but what impressed me most was his wonderful demeanor, he was a true gentleman,” Abruzzese says. “He never complained. He was on dialysis for a long time before he got transplanted, with a kidney from his sister, and yet all his health issues never stopped him from being who he was, which among many other things, was a great advocate for people with kidney disease.”
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a community that provides hope and support to patients and their families while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research.
Mental Health America – a proud member charity of Community
Health Charities and the leading advocacy organization addressing the full
spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and their effects nationwide –
works to inform, advocate and enable access to quality behavioral health
services for all Americans.
