Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area

Shooting Star Award

Mike Desmond, president of the Mental Health Coalition board, presented the first ever Shooting Star Award to John Ford at a March 27 reception. The MHC Board selected John to be the first recipient because, in the 1960s, he inspired kids and awed adults with his high school basketball prowess and, today, he inspires all of us with his courage to speak out about the mental illness which he takes in stride while living life to the fullest.

Local News Coverage

• The greatest player in local high school boys basketball history by Todd Sommerfeld
  La Crosse Tribune, March 25, 2007
• Who's the best?  John Ford, both then and now by Marc Wehrs
  La Crosse Tribune, March 29, 2007
• Former prep star honored for mental health battle by Ryan Stotts
  La Crosse Tribune, March 28, 2008
• Ryan Stotts:  We live in a place worth embracing
  La Crosse Tribune, March 29, 2008
• Ford a role model on and off the basketball court by Todd Sommerfeldt
  La Crosse Tribune, March 29, 2008
• Call attention to the need for mental health care, resources
  Opinion Page of the La Crosse Tribune, April 1, 2008