Dear Friends 

I’m writing to share the devastating news of the passing of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Oranges and to offer my deepest condolences to her partner Jeanie and her many friends. For those of you who have seen our documentary “Kings Park: Stories from an American Mental Institution,” or our educational program, “Unlocked,” you will almost certainly remember Lizzy’s strength, her humor, her honesty, intelligence and huge heart. The generosity with which she shared her story has helped so many. I know this, because after screenings people would come up and tell me so.

We are writing now to ask for your help to cover Lizzy’s burial expenses of $4000. To this end we have started a special fund set up by Hands Across Long Island, a peer organization in NY state in which Lizzy was a past participant. My deepest thanks to this amazing organization for their support through this incredibly painful time. Your donation will be tax deductible:

Please watch this brief video of Lizzy telling the story of her commitment to Kings Park State Hospital. A special thanks to Spike Lampros for generously volunteering his time to create this video tribute to Lizzy.

Thanking you in advance,

Lucy Winer