Meet Cindy Tank-Murphy

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Cindy Tank-Murphy is the Illinois State Director for the National Shattering Silence Coalition, where she advocates for families navigating Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and works to advance meaningful state policy reform.

Cindy’s work is rooted in her lived experience as a caregiver. When her teenage daughter began showing signs of serious mental health challenges, Cindy navigated the complex and often fragmented system of care to find the treatment and support she needed. That journey gave her firsthand insight into both the gaps in the system and the critical role families play in recovery, shaping her commitment to ensuring other caregivers have access to the resources, education, and support they deserve.

Her advocacy is also shaped by personal loss. Her father lived with untreated SMI for most of his life, and during the moments when help was needed most, support was not there. She lost him to suicide in 2014; an experience that continues to drive her commitment to earlier intervention, accessible care, and stronger systems of support for families.

In addition to her leadership with NSSC, Cindy volunteers with NAMI DuPage and co-moderates a monthly Parent Roundtable with her daughter, supporting caregivers of teens and young adults. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid and certified in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer).
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Cindy is also the author of The Strength to Live, where she shares her journey through grief and healing while offering practical guidance for those navigating suicide loss. Through her writing, speaking, and her platform at thestrengthtolive.com, she continues to provide compassionate support and resources for individuals and families seeking education, hope, and understanding.