Karena Dawn Honored by Operation Lemon-Aid for her Mental Health Advocacy
We are so honored to announce Karena Dawn is an Operation Lemon-Aid mental health movement honoree! The Operation Lemon-Aid Gala celebrates those making a difference in the world of mental health, all while contributing to two great causes. Hosted by Tay Lautner, founder of Lemons by Tay and co-host of The Squeeze podcast (with her husband Taylor Lautner), and Shannon McPeek, founder of Operation Happy Nurse. These two nurses are extremely passionate about mental health and together are aiming to #endthestigma.
Karena Dawn, founder of The Big Silence, New York Times best-selling author, and host of The Big Silence podcast was one of four women honored for their efforts to make change in the culture of mental health. Honorees included athlete and mental health advocate Victoria Garrick Browne, Canadian content creator and LGBTQ2S+ advocate Jaime Pandit, and Nurse Amy Loughren (whose harrowing experience is the subject of the Netflix movie "The Good Nurse").
"Feeling inspired and grateful after an incredible evening being honored by Lemons by Tay and Operation Happy Nurse!" - Karena Dawn
Watch the recap video:
The highlight of the evening was a fireside chat led by Tay and featuring the four nominees in a conversation about mental health and advocacy. Honorees discussed the specific challenges they have faced that led them to be vocal for mental health as well as the challenges of advocacy, and what it takes to find the power of resilience. Karena also shared her personal story and the journey of growing up with a mother who faced severe mental health challenges, and about the impact of movement and meditation on mental health and wellness.
The event was held at the SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, July 13. This black-tie event featured a silent auction with an array of exclusive items and experiences, generously donated by supporters and partners.
