Help Fund Micah's Private Mental Health Care

Many of our friends and family know Micah's physical and mental health journey and the struggles he has endured because of it. For those who aren't aware of our situation, at age 13, Micah was diagnosed with a rare precancerous genetic disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and has since had two major surgeries, including having his large intestine removed. His mother, Elizabeth, also struggles with this disease, and as a direct result of the stress and trauma of these situations, Micah's mental health was impacted from a very young age.

At age 8, we saw a decline in Micah's mental health as he isolated himself due to his anxiety. We sought out mental health services from Lakeridge Health Oshawa, and he was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Later on, through a psychiatrist at the hospital's child outpatient program, he was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and intrusive thoughts.

Between the ages of 16 to 18, Micah would check himself into the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Program (CAIP) three times, where he would become stabilized and then rejoin our household.

In his adulthood, Micah's mental health has continued to decline. He has been in the Lakeridge Health emergency room several times, trying to get himself admitted to the adult inpatient mental health program.

On January 17, Micah's distress and decline came to a head, and he decided it was time to try and check himself into the hospital again. He was admitted and has been an inpatient there since.

In the short time he has been there, it has become clear to Micah and us, as his parents, that he will not be receiving the help he needs in this inpatient program and that a more serious, capable intervention is needed. Unfortunately, the hospital system in place has been severely lacking, with little to no help being offered to him.

We have exhausted all our options and need to take action to get Micah the help he needs to live a normal, functioning life--the life where he isn't struggling to survive on a daily basis.

We are asking our friends and family--our support system--to help us, if you are able, to fund Micah's private mental health treatment.

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated, and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.