The Nick Traina Foundation was founded in 1998 by best-selling author Danielle Steel as a legacy to her son who lost his life to manic-depression.
The mission of The Nick Traina Foundation is to reach out in areas that were important to Nick Traina and his family. The key issue in Nick Traina’s life was his lifelong battle with mental illness, in the form of bipolar disease, which eventually took his life. The Nick Traina Foundation’s goal is to fund organizations that provide treatment for all forms of mental illness. Dispelling the burden of stigma is also essential to people suffering from mental illness. Organizations providing hands-on assistance to mentally ill people, and their families, are key to helping these people lead safe, happy, and productive lives. Our goal is to provide help wherever we can.
As suicide ultimately claimed Nick, the prevention of suicide, and the nurturing of survivors, is yet another goal of the Foundation. We are helping to battle and to change the statistics that exist now. Suicide is the second leading cause of death of young people under the age of 25. Bipolar disease, and other forms of mental illness, claims lives. Organizations trying to prevent suicide, and comfort survivors, mean a great deal to us.
The well being of children is also important to us. Organizations involved in preventing child abuse and offering assistance to children, are keys to the stability of our society. Children in jeopardy are a priority to us.
Music was the essence of Nick’s life; it was his love, his passion. In his memory, we are committed to supporting organizations that are helping musicians who are battling mental illness.
The Foundation is developing and growing and our goals far-reaching. Where we can lend a hand, we want to, where we can change the devastating effect of bipolar disease and other forms of mental illness, we will. Where we can save a life, we will try. Where we can dispel the stigma of mental illness, we will put our full commitment. Where we can honor Nick’s memory, with deeds and assistance that would have made him proud, we will.
And in turn, we thank you for your commitment and assistance.
“His Bright Light,” Danielle Steel’s book about her son’s life is available through Delacorte Press. All of the author’s proceeds and agent’s fees from this book will go to the foundation, which will also receive direct proceeds from the publisher for all copies sold.