Bipolar Disorder: Michael's Fight
Donation protected
Michael, my wonderful 16 year old nephew was just your average kid; going to school, playing video games, enjoying sports and hanging out with friends. In the Spring of 2016, things began to change. This once happy kid began to act out, and exhibit signs of anxiety and depression. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, and the challenges of just being a teen were the natural conclusions to explain these changes. However, as the months moved on, it became clear that more was going on. As his behavior became more unpredictable, depression and anxiety gave way to episodes of extreme lows and highs sometimes accompanied by aggression. After multiple hospitalizations and treatment centers, Michael was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
For those who have experienced it for yourself with a friend or family member, Bipolar Disorder is a very challenging mental health condition that strikes many, like Michael, in the prime of their lives and is a life-long illness. There’s lots of information about Bipolar Disorder but very little “true” support for the patient and their families. From the moment he was diagnosed, it was clear that this is something he will need to control through medication and intense therapy to live what will come easily for others, a “normal” life.
Through trial and error with multiple facilities, doctors and treatments, Michael is finally in a center that is providing him medical care and tools he will need to manage his condition for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, the road to a diagnosis left a large financial burden in its wake and the road ahead is just as daunting. Michael’s mother, my sister, has been managing as a single mother for over 12 years and dealing specifically with the financial fall out of this diagnosis for well over a year on her own. While the insurance companies have covered some costs, a large portion of uncovered and ancillary costs have fallen to her and exhausted her resources. Her sole goal to get him on the path to recovery has just received another blow as the insurance company will no longer cover the cost of his inpatient treatment as of May 13, 2017 leaving her on her own to shoulder the full cost. This is why your help is needed.
Michael has been away from his family since February 2017. And while we miss him, we know he is doing the hard work that needs to be done so he can get back to just being a kid. He has missed his junior year of high school, his confidence and self-esteem have been shaken to the core and a family is in crisis.
While the goal is to raise money to help Michael and awareness for this type of support for many people with this condition, there are other things you can do to help:
1. Pray – Just knowing others are behind us in supporting Michael’s journey provides hope and peace.
2. Act – Reach out to someone with a Mental Health Condition, volunteer your time to help with a mental health initiative or organization, or seek help yourself if you need it.
3. Speak Up – Reach out to your local, state and federal elected officials and bring the importance of Mental Health Issues to the forefront.
We appreciate your taking to time to read about Michael and consider helping to raise the funds badly needed to ease the existing financial stress and continue his treatment.
If we are successful in reaching our goal to continue treatment for Michael, any remaining funds will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help others with mental illness in their struggle to live lives full of hope, promise and love.
No one should have to walk alone on this path. We’re walking with Michael and we’ll do our small part to ensure others don’t have too.
For those who have experienced it for yourself with a friend or family member, Bipolar Disorder is a very challenging mental health condition that strikes many, like Michael, in the prime of their lives and is a life-long illness. There’s lots of information about Bipolar Disorder but very little “true” support for the patient and their families. From the moment he was diagnosed, it was clear that this is something he will need to control through medication and intense therapy to live what will come easily for others, a “normal” life.
Through trial and error with multiple facilities, doctors and treatments, Michael is finally in a center that is providing him medical care and tools he will need to manage his condition for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, the road to a diagnosis left a large financial burden in its wake and the road ahead is just as daunting. Michael’s mother, my sister, has been managing as a single mother for over 12 years and dealing specifically with the financial fall out of this diagnosis for well over a year on her own. While the insurance companies have covered some costs, a large portion of uncovered and ancillary costs have fallen to her and exhausted her resources. Her sole goal to get him on the path to recovery has just received another blow as the insurance company will no longer cover the cost of his inpatient treatment as of May 13, 2017 leaving her on her own to shoulder the full cost. This is why your help is needed.
Michael has been away from his family since February 2017. And while we miss him, we know he is doing the hard work that needs to be done so he can get back to just being a kid. He has missed his junior year of high school, his confidence and self-esteem have been shaken to the core and a family is in crisis.
While the goal is to raise money to help Michael and awareness for this type of support for many people with this condition, there are other things you can do to help:
1. Pray – Just knowing others are behind us in supporting Michael’s journey provides hope and peace.
2. Act – Reach out to someone with a Mental Health Condition, volunteer your time to help with a mental health initiative or organization, or seek help yourself if you need it.
3. Speak Up – Reach out to your local, state and federal elected officials and bring the importance of Mental Health Issues to the forefront.
We appreciate your taking to time to read about Michael and consider helping to raise the funds badly needed to ease the existing financial stress and continue his treatment.
If we are successful in reaching our goal to continue treatment for Michael, any remaining funds will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help others with mental illness in their struggle to live lives full of hope, promise and love.
No one should have to walk alone on this path. We’re walking with Michael and we’ll do our small part to ensure others don’t have too.
Organizer and beneficiary
Courtney Capece
Organizer
Millersville, MD
Stephanie Embrey
Beneficiary