For nearly two decades, Gail Simmons has been a familiar face at the judges’ table on Top Chef. But in a recent campaign, the food expert and television host stepped into a far more personal conversation—one rooted in her own family’s experience with schizophrenia.

“Schizophrenia is something very personal to me because I had a brother who lived with the condition,” Simmons. “His diagnosis was a long emotional journey that affected my family, and it was a struggle to find the right treatment for him and get him the help he needed.”

Simmons’ older brother, Alan, ultimately passed away. But the impact of his illness—and the stigma that often surrounds schizophrenia—has stayed with her.

“Through my family’s experiences, it became really clear to me just how important it is to talk about schizophrenia, as it is still one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized conditions,” she says.

That deeply personal connection led Simmons to partner with Bristol Myers Squibb on the COBENFY Connections campaign, which encourages open dialogue and connection among people living with schizophrenia, their care partners and healthcare providers.

‘You’re Not Alone’

As part of the campaign, Simmons hosted an intimate gathering where people living with schizophrenia and their loved ones came together around a shared meal.

“I realized I hadn’t had the chance to talk with people who have similar experiences in a very long time, and I found it incredibly powerful,” she says.

Among those she met were Avary and his wife, Ashleigh, and Chanel and her mother, Fines. Both Avary and Chanel live with schizophrenia, while Ashleigh and Fines serve as their primary care partners.

“We were able to cook together, then sit down at the table to share a meal,” Simmons says. “Over that meal, we were able to get to know each other and have an open, honest conversation about their stories—their diagnoses, what has helped the most in their treatment journeys, and how vital their care partners have been.”

For Simmons, the experience was a reminder that while every family’s journey looks different, there are striking common threads.

“It was a really special reminder that, even though every individual’s journey looks different, there are so many commonalities between my experience as a care partner to my older brother and their stories,” she says. “Having these conversations allows you to feel connected and that you’re not alone.”

The Importance of Advocacy

Simmons also spoke with Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero, a board-certified psychiatrist who participated in the campaign.

“Dr. Ares-Romero certainly did shed light on a lot of information for me,” Simmons says. “There have been so many innovations and learnings about schizophrenia since I was supporting my brother.”

One message stood out.

“The most impactful thing she said to me was about advocacy—learning to advocate for yourself and as a care partner,” Simmons explains. “Ask the right questions, be honest with your care provider and find someone you can connect with and trust.”

Being transparent about symptoms and how they affect daily life is critical, she says, because it helps providers determine the right course of treatment.

“That starts with you too; be honest about symptoms and how they are affecting you, so that you can get the right treatment.”

While the campaign centers on schizophrenia, Simmons believes the message extends to all aspects of healthcare.

“Whether it’s mental health or physical health, it starts with finding a provider you can speak honestly with,” she says. “Honest conversations can help lead to the right treatment and the right support that you need.”

Breaking the Stigma

For Simmons, one of the biggest takeaways from participating in the campaign was the importance of community.

“It’s very easy to be isolated and withdrawn when you’re struggling with schizophrenia,” she says. “Driving change around stigma starts with education and dialogue, and having community and support is crucial.”

Sitting at the table with people who shared similar experiences was, she says, “so meaningful.”

“It reinforced the importance of talking about mental health conditions like schizophrenia more openly. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or to keep inside, and you usually find out that more people can relate to it than you would think.”

Through sharing her family’s story, Simmons hopes others living with schizophrenia and the people who love them feel less alone.

“Having the right support and finding the right treatment for you is important,” she says. “And it begins with conversation.”