I'm a Vietnamese-American writer and psychiatrist. I published my first novel Aloha Vietnam two years ago about a Vietnamese-American family in Hawaii navigating immigration and mental illness in their adolescent daughter who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The story is meant to educate readers about the experience of mental illness and provide psychoeducation about mental health treatment in a culturally-sensitive way.

Growing up in a family with mental illness, it has always been one of my life missions to decrease stigma and improve psychoeducation around mental illness, especially in underserved communities.

One of my devoted readers Giao Ngo graciously volunteered his time to translate the entire manuscript into the Vietnamese language in order for the story and message of healing and hope to reach more readers, especially those who do not read or speak English. We are now fundraising money to offset printing costs for the Vietnamese-language edition of the book to give away to the community at the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations.

Any donation amount helps - printing costs are about $4/book, so a donation of $20 will provide 5 free books to Vietnamese-language readers and hopefully spread the story and provide more psychoeducation and help to people who need mental health care. You can learn more about the book at www.aloha-vietnam.com

Aloha and mahalo for your consideration.