Hi my name is Pamela and I am writing on behalf of my brother and sister in law, Ronny and Rhiannon Shields.

The Shields' are currently facing a financial hardship and need assistance paying medical bills for their 12 year old daughter Irelynn Shields.

My niece Irelynn has recently been hospitalized after extensive bullying and despair led to an emotional breakdown. She wrote a note expressing her intention to end her life. Along with the overwhelming stress and pressures of early adolescence that every child experiences, Irelynn is also autistic.

This warm, happy, silly, bright and bubbly little girl was bullied for several months by what used to be her best and closest friends. The incessant bullying was not only in person, but extended to text and social media as well... without reprieve. This chipped away at her self-esteem and confidence and drove her to become anguished and withdrawn. So overwhelmed that her life had become unbearable, and that she was left with no other option.

Irelynn was admitted to Four Winds Hospital's adolescent unit, but her treatment towards reinforcing her foundation of self worth and restoring her sense of safety and security was cut short due to insurance limitations. Continued therapies are in place but as too many of us know, insurance coverage is appallingly and systemically inadequate. Coverage decisions are based on maintaining bottom line profitability, not ensuring the safety and well being of a vulnerable child. In Irelynn's case, only 30% was covered.

Which has left Irelynn's parents in a precarious and overwhelming situation. In addition to their heartbreak and concern for Irelynn, Ronny and Rhiannon have been at home caring for their younger daughter, Lakin. Now that Irelynn has been abruptly discharged, they are faced with continuing challenges to meet Irelynn's needs, as well as Lakin's. This has resulted in extended time away from work and their paid leave exhausted. They are in dire need of financial assistance.

They will be truly humbled by any donation that they may receive and also for the prayers and sharing of this request. Ronny and Rhiannon are both hard working parents. They have found themselves in circumstances beyond their control and beyond what any parent should ever have to endure. With both insurance and personal resources exhausted, every donation will be gratefully received. This will help ease their worries so they can focus their efforts and energies on advocating for Irelynn and caring for Lakin as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this request. What we (and especially Ron and Rhiannon) wish is that people would understand that mental illness and autism are just as worthy of care and coverage as any physical illness. And should be treated as such.

Please share.

Pamela