Fuel Katelyn's Vision: A New Era in Mental Health

Hi, my name is Katelyn, and I'm reaching out for your support to make my dream of studying abroad in Stockholm a reality. This summer, I have an incredible opportunity to conduct an advanced research project at the prestigious Karolinska Institutet, a global leader in psychiatric and psychological research, but I need your help to cover the associated expenses.

About the Program:

My first session entails taking a Psychology of Violence and Hatred course in Stockholm with a week-long study tour in Berlin. The second half of my six weeks abroad entails taking a course on Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience of the Brain, which involves conducting an experimental research project using immunohistochemistry to examine different proteins in healthy or abnormal brain tissue at the Karolinska Institutet. Furthermore, the latter course will also involve visiting the Noble Prize Museum.

About Me and The Significance of this Experience:

Currently, I am a full-time out-of-state university student at UNC-Chapel Hill, double majoring in neuroscience and psychology and minoring in chemistry. I am also an undergraduate research assistant, working in a lab that investigates the effects of early life adversity on the developing brain and psychopathology.

This experience represents a hallmark life event toward achieving a dream of mine – transforming my personal journey with complex mental and physical health challenges into “miracles” in the lives of others who are suffering. From battling Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos to navigating the challenges of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I personally understand the pain associated with mental and physical health disorders alongside the injustices faced by the flawed care system in place. Within the mental health sphere, I have been misdiagnosed too many times to count, overly medicated, received inadequate care, and have experienced the abusive mental healthcare inpatient and residential setting. Within the physical health care system, I have been medically gaslit, almost killed by misinformed health care providers, told that my chronic illnesses are “anxiety”, and have witnessed maltreatment towards people in my life. Consequently, my own personal journey has motivated me towards a career in neuropsychiatry and clinical psychology research, with the ultimate aim of comprehensively understanding, treating, preventing, and significantly improving the lives of future complex patients.

For many years now, I have aspired to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and an M.D in neuropsychiatry, with a long-term goal of creating a network of highly specialized inpatient and outpatient facilities spread out across the United States that utilize a neuroscientific, unconventional, and integrative approach along with advanced technological equipment (fMRI, SPECT, qEEG) and novel drugs to treat complex mental health conditions. I wish to develop more effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments alongside potentially a pharmacological "cure" for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, I desire to develop a highly effective preventative intervention for children who’ve experienced abuse, threat, and neglect that aims to reduce the risk of developing severe psychopathological disorders.

Why I Need Your Help:

Unfortunately, my journey has been marked by financial hurdles such as unexpected hospitalizations, costly out-of-pocket necessary treatments, and expenses associated with the pursuit toward my academic and professional aspirations. Within the last year or so, I have been struggling immensely with my health, which has led to expenses related to compounded medication, medical devices and orthotics, doctors’ appointments, and medical testing to build up over time. Furthermore, treatment for my PTSD and appointments with my specialized psychiatrist have been out of pocket, with monthly psychiatry costing $500 per appointment and therapy appointments as high as $280 per week. Ultimately, these expenses have put us in financial hardship.

Despite facing a multitude of setbacks due to my health, including misdiagnoses, recent diagnoses, improper treatment, and debilitating symptoms, I remain committed to my goal of advancing mental health research and treatment options.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference:

Your donations will directly contribute to covering the expenses associated with my study abroad program, including tuition, travel costs, and necessary medical treatments. With your support, I can focus on my studies and research endeavors without the burden of financial stress. Ultimately, it will support my ability to attend medical school and, in the long run, substantially help other people and enable my family to continue to financially support my treatments as I do not wish to burden them further and have chosen to pay some of my weight through this; however, due to my health, I have only been able to work so much because of my subluxations, reactions, and blood pressure issues, which places me in a financial predicament. Additionally, my FAFSA aid was fully used during the fall and spring semesters, and there is only so much more debt we can take on with private loans. Your support will significantly reduce financial strain on both I and my family.

The overall cost of the program is $12,923-13,923, which includes tuition and fees ($6,775), program costs (includes housing costs; $3,130), required international health insurance ($78), application fees, airfare ($1600-2000), books ($200-300), meals ($500-700), and personal expenses. Outside expenses beyond that of the program include necessary provider appointments while abroad and medication costs.

A Thank You for Your Support:

I am extremely grateful for any contribution you can make, whether it’s a small donation or simply sharing my story with others. Any form of support means the absolute world to me and will help me take a significant leap toward achieving my goals.

Thank you for considering supporting my journey. Together, we can make a difference in the field of mental healthcare and research.

Warmly,

Katelyn