In Memory of Nao

Friends,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the unexpected passing of one of our co-founders, Nao Ueda. She was an advocate of sustainability, a champion of social justice, and a pillar in the local food community. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

The outpouring of love and support in memory of Nao has truly been an inspiration. She has been a mentor and leader for so many of us and is proof of the immense difference one person can make when they fight for what they believe in. Thanks for everything you’ve done to make this city a better place, Nao.

The market is still open 7 years later because of the strong foundation that Nao laid.

A dear friend that has recovered from depression urged that one of the worst things we can do with mental illness is to not talk about it. So please, if you or anyone you know is depressed or suicidal, reach out, and know that there is always help.

Finally, I leave you with a dear friend’s inspirational words:

- Alex Handfinger

Remembering Nao —

It is incredibly painful to lose a friend. The pain is heightened when an amazing person takes her own life. As many others have said, let us follow her example, and do all we can to save the earth.

Suicide seems senseless, even stupid, to the observer. But I know that to those of us living with depression, the option at times may seem like the only choice left – for unfortunate souls who don’t realize that there is help and hope, for those who have tried to get help and failed because our mental health care system is broken, and for those who have not responded to or not tolerated treatments that aren’t complete cures, and don’t help everyone. I know whereof I speak. Thirty years ago, I was depressed and suicidal. I didn’t think I had a mental illness. I didn’t have hope at first, but was encouraged by loved ones and coworkers to get treatment. What can we do to help others? Learn about mental illness and suicide prevention. Be curious and care about others’ welfare. Don’t stigmatize mental illness, talk about it. Vote for candidates who support parity in insurance coverage for mental health treatment. And when we mourn the loss of those we care about to an awful illness, get up the next morning and do what we can to make the world a better place.