Sarah Cannon's passion and desire to make a difference in the world of Children's Mental Health began 10 years ago when her daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The diagnosis thrust Sarah and her family into a world of uncertainty, isolation, and confusion that she would not have imagined possible when one's child is ill.

Shortly after her daughter's diagnosis, Sarah's husband also diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, took his life. Sarah made a commitment that she would dedicate her energies to ensuring that her daughter, and the thousands of children like her would not meet that same fate. Sarah also knew the importance of reaching out to other families in similar situations, to let them know that there were not alone, and that together they could make a difference. Since beginning her journey of advocacy, Sarah has worked on many different projects in an effort to be part of motivating positive change. Most recently she is a member of the Consumer Partnership Theme Groups - advising the Ministry of Health on the 10-Year Mental Health Strategy for Long Term Health, she is a member of the Child and Youth Advisory Committee to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, she is Chair of the Parent Advisory Committee of Niagara Child and Youth Services, and is a Board member of the Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention.

Her passion for advocacy and making a difference has lead her to her role as Executive Director for Parents for Children's Mental Health, her most rewarding career choice to date. She has recently been awarded the Today's Parent 2009 For Kids Sake Award. With all that she has been involved with, her proudest accomplishment remains watching her daughter become an advocate and spokesperson for herself and children and youth mental health issues, and Sarah believes that by empowering families and youth we truly will make a difference.