Anyone who’s ever met Deena Nyer Mendlowitz will tell you she’s one of the bravest, most hilarious, and biggest-hearted people you’ll ever meet. They’ll also tell you she’s been struggling with constant suicidal ideation for way too long.  Now, she needs some financial help as she continues her fight.

Thankfully, Deena refuses to give up or to suffer in silence. For those who don’t know her, she’s constantly advocating for herself to ensure she gets the treatment she needs. And in a style that’s uniquely Deena, she shares her experiences by seamlessly combining vulnerability, wisdom, humor, and references to 80s sitcoms. She writes social media and blog posts and personal essays, wrote a one-woman autobiographical play, has been featured in news stories, talks with college students, and hosts her live comedy talk show, “Mental Illness and Friends," which offers a safe space for others to share their stories too. 

By speaking up, Deena reminds people struggling with mental illness that they’re not alone, and she’s built relationships with people who’ve reached out after hearing her story. She also strives to educate the public in an effort to eliminate the myths and stigma around mental illness. Through the whole process, Deena’s built a community that reminds her she’s not alone and provides love and support throughout the ups and downs of her journey.

Today, Deena needs her community in a different way. She realized that the best thing she can do to keep herself safe and alive is to check herself into the hospital. However, this is an expensive option, both because in-patient care is costly and because she won’t get paid while not at work. 

Deena’s appreciated and admired by so many people and was named a 2018 Difference Maker by The Cleveland Jewish News. She tirelessly advocates for people in a variety of stigmatized and marginalized groups and is a dedicated and active participant in the Cleveland comedy scene, a wonderful teacher, friend, and relative, and an amazing mother to her awesome 13-year-old son.

My hope is that this fundraiser will help take the financial stress off Deena’s shoulders so she can focus solely on herself and her health. Please know that any amount you donate will be much appreciated.