At the National Shattering Silence Coalition, we hear from families who live in the shadows—people who’ve had to step back from someone they love because of untreated Severe Mental Illness (SMI). Are you one of those families?
Now, there’s a place for those voices to be heard.
What Is the Sandy Pruett Project?
The Sandy Pruett Project is a safe, anonymous storytelling platform for families who live (mostly) in silence.
Every story submitted is reviewed, lightly edited for clarity and safety, and then shared publicly under the name Sandy Pruett.
There are no names. No blame. Just truth.
These stories are not for sympathy. They are for systemic change.
We are compiling them to show legislators and policymakers what happens when families beg for help—and none comes.
When people with SMI fall through every crack. When silence becomes the only safe option.
Why “Sandy Pruett”?
Sandy Pruett is not a real person. She is a collective voice. And, she is speaking now.
Who Is This For?
This project is for anyone whose real name cannot be attached to their real story:
Whether your silence is for safety, privacy, or survival—you belong here. One of the first stories came from a mom who has been working with NSSC.
Now, there’s a place for those voices to be heard.
What Is the Sandy Pruett Project?
The Sandy Pruett Project is a safe, anonymous storytelling platform for families who live (mostly) in silence.
Every story submitted is reviewed, lightly edited for clarity and safety, and then shared publicly under the name Sandy Pruett.
There are no names. No blame. Just truth.
These stories are not for sympathy. They are for systemic change.
We are compiling them to show legislators and policymakers what happens when families beg for help—and none comes.
When people with SMI fall through every crack. When silence becomes the only safe option.
Why “Sandy Pruett”?
Sandy Pruett is not a real person. She is a collective voice. And, she is speaking now.
Who Is This For?
This project is for anyone whose real name cannot be attached to their real story:
- The mother who sleeps with her bedroom door locked.
- The parent whose loved one committed violence and can’t risk stigma.
- The family navigating media attention after a tragedy.
- The father who dreams of reconciliation—but isn’t able to speak publicly.
Whether your silence is for safety, privacy, or survival—you belong here. One of the first stories came from a mom who has been working with NSSC.
I haven’t seen my son in person in three years. I love him fiercely. But we cannot be around each other. He thinks I'm "one of them," of his paranoia, out to kill him. I've sat at the wrong end of the scope of a gun and am thankfully here to talk about it. Severe Mental Illness—and the failure of every system meant to help—broke our relationship. I live in a home he doesn’t know about because the threats don't stop, they just evolve. I don't wish our continuous grief on anyone. I’ve stayed quiet out of necessity. But silence doesn't mean I don’t have something to say.
Why This Project Exists
Most advocacy stories come from families who are still in contact with their loved one—those who are navigating recovery, attending support groups, and fighting side by side.
But what about the families who couldn’t stay?
Some are estranged—not because they stopped trying, but because it became dangerous. Some have restraining orders against their own children. Some had to move to confidential addresses. Some haven’t spoken to their loved one in years. Some are grieving someone who is still alive.
They are rarely included in advocacy. They cannot safely speak out. And yet, their stories matter.
How to Share Your Story (Anonymously)
If you’re one of these families, you’re not alone. We see you. We believe you. Sandy Pruett has made a place for your voice to be heard—without being exposed.
To share your story, please go to Sandy Pruett's website: www.sandypruettproject.org
Most advocacy stories come from families who are still in contact with their loved one—those who are navigating recovery, attending support groups, and fighting side by side.
But what about the families who couldn’t stay?
Some are estranged—not because they stopped trying, but because it became dangerous. Some have restraining orders against their own children. Some had to move to confidential addresses. Some haven’t spoken to their loved one in years. Some are grieving someone who is still alive.
They are rarely included in advocacy. They cannot safely speak out. And yet, their stories matter.
How to Share Your Story (Anonymously)
If you’re one of these families, you’re not alone. We see you. We believe you. Sandy Pruett has made a place for your voice to be heard—without being exposed.
To share your story, please go to Sandy Pruett's website: www.sandypruettproject.org