As the co-chair of the Pathway to Awareness Weekend planned for September 30 October 1, she'll finally get to meet her heroine, Patty Duke.

Duke, author of "A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness," will speak as part of the Ruth Pauley Lecture Series during the Pathway to Awareness Weekend. She will illuminate her harrowing story and her long road to recovery from a serious -- but treatable -- brain disorder called bipolar.

Airs purchased Duke's book when it was published in 1992 and related to the author's experiences immediately. She wrote Duke a letter soon after reading the book and purchased copies of it for members of her family who had been afflicted with the same "brilliant madness."

Airs never heard from Duke, or her press agent, but she hopes to thank her personally for the help she has given to her family and so many that suffer with bipolar disorder.

"This book enlightened me about this complex disorder. It is informative and relevant and helped me understand my family more than anything," says Airs. "I owe so much to Miss Duke for telling her personal story and for her continued advocacy on behalf of those affected."

Duke's appearance at The Ruth Pauley Lecture Series is co-sponsored by the Sandhills Community College Foundation and will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Owens Auditorium. It is free and open to the public.

Duke will also be available to sign her book on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Pinehurst Village Assembly Hall from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The book-signing is open to the public at no charge.

For more information on Pathway to Awareness Weekend, contact the Moore County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 910-295-1053.