Writer Bebe Moore Campbell died yesterday at the age of 56 from brain cancer complications. I can't believe it; she's always been such a hero to me. She was a novelist with keen insight into the human condition, but she was also a tireless crusader for people with mental illness. She wrote adult and children's book to fight stigma and prejudice, and she did public appearances to reinforce her message. She also co-founded a NAMI chapter, and spoke out literally every chance she got about the plight of the mentally ill.

Talking to Time magazine's Andrea Sachs last year, Campbell compared mental illness to slavery: "Bottom line: you can't get out of either one of them alone. You absolutely need help. In the same way that slavery had absolute control over human beings, mental illness has absolute control over human beings, and in fact, turns many people into completely different people."

She got involved in mental health issues because she had a relative with bipolar disorder. She saw first-hand the kind of struggles people go through when the system is inadequate. She could have walked away from that struggle, and continue on her path of trying to conquer racism. But she took it on, with bravery and grace.

She was a great woman and a great crusader for human rights. She truly made a difference. She'll be missed.

Bebe Moore Campbell's website