My name is Kelli, and I’m raising funds on behalf of my sister, Jamie. She is one of the most kind, strong, caring, adventurous people I know. I love her deeply, and I have watched her fight for her health to the best of her ability for more than a decade.

You may know that Jamie struggles with anxiety from time to time, but what most have not known is the full scope of what she has been navigating behind the scenes. Sharing this story publicly is an incredibly vulnerable step for Jamie, but an essential one for her healing and recovery.

How This Journey Began

Over 13 years ago, Jamie was prescribed Effexor to treat feelings of anxiety and depression during a depressive episode. At first, it seemed to help, but over time, symptoms and side effects worsened. Sensing that this was not the right medication for her and that it was actually making things dramatically worse, she repeatedly attempted tapering — and every time, she would experience severe withdrawal reactions. We now know that this is very common for most when tapering Effexor.

Any adverse reactions she had were attributed to new conditions and diagnoses, rather than recognized as withdrawal — which led to years of medication changes, hospitalizations, new diagnoses, retracted diagnoses, and profound trauma.

Unfortunately, standard tapering protocols used in the mental health industry are often too fast, not withdrawal-informed, and not personalized. When patients experience distress, symptoms are frequently misinterpreted as relapse or new illness rather than predictable withdrawal effects. Jamie has lived this cycle repeatedly. Additionally, she has suffered iatrogenic drug injury, including nervous system damage from these medications.

What’s important to understand is that none of this defines Jamie. It does not define her intelligence, her creativity, her work ethic, her kindness, or the life she continues to live.

Jamie is not her diagnoses, her medications, or her medical trauma. She is a whole, capable, thoughtful, spiritual person who loves God and has continued to show up for her life.

Choosing a Different Path Forward

Jamie and her family now understand that unless she removes herself from this cycle, she will remain trapped in it indefinitely, guaranteeing continued harm. True healing will not be possible within the traditional psychiatric system that has repeatedly failed her. For true healing to be possible, she must pursue an alternative approach, one she has been longing for and I have been trying to advocate for, over many years.

As her sister, I’ll admit I sometimes want to flip tables and demand answers on her behalf, but Jamie has always been deeply trusting of the professionals around her and quick to move forward in good faith. We have searched tirelessly for a better way, knowing she deserves more, and we have finally found a solution that promises to honor her needs and her future.

Transitioning to The Taper Clinic

This week, we transferred her care to Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring and his team at The Taper Clinic, a specialized, holistic tapering program with experts and specialists who have worked with hundreds of patients with similar stories.

Jamie and her new incredible team (all whom I’ve met) are building a thoughtful, predictable plan based on her history, symptoms, needs, and goals to help her reclaim her life — which includes deprescribing her from the three medications she is currently taking. I encourage you to check out The Taper Clinic or Dr. Josef’s YouTube channel if you know anyone with a similar story to Jamie or if you’d simply like to know more.

Why We’re Asking for Support

Because this care is not covered by insurance, I am creating a space for others to walk alongside her and be a part of her healing.

Jamie remains deeply committed to her own recovery — emotionally, practically, and financially. But this kind of healing does not happen in isolation. Every form of support, whether through donating, sharing this page, or holding Jamie in your thoughts and/or prayers, is very much appreciated.

Transparency Around the Cost of Care

We believe that inviting others to contribute comes with a responsibility to be fully transparent about the cost of care and how every dollar will be used.

The Taper Clinic costs $26,500 for one year of care if paid upfront, or $30,700 with a monthly payment plan. On Tuesday, Jamie placed a $2,000 deposit to begin treatment, and the next payment is due on 1/8/26.

With the help of family, friends, and this GoFundMe, we are determining which option is manageable for her. The above rate covers the first year of care, but safe tapering timelines vary by individual. If Jamie’s taper extends beyond one year, continued care would be $1,800 per month in the second year.

Additional Healing Goals

While deprescribing is the current priority, Jamie also plans to pursue a neurodiversity assessment. We now understand that the “learning difference” she was diagnosed with as a child played a significant role in her symptoms being misunderstood over the years. The team at The Taper Clinic is well-versed in working with neurodivergent individuals and incorporates this understanding into their care approach.

In addition, trauma-focused therapy will be introduced at the appropriate time to address the childhood trauma that contributed to her original symptoms, as well as the medical trauma she has experienced.

The focus right now is on her goals with The Taper Clinic, as the medication must be addressed first. But I will continue to share updates as she moves through recovery and healing, so all who care about her and support her are informed.

Jamie’s Life Beyond This Chapter

Jamie continues to live, work, create, and love despite all that she has experienced. She is approaching 15 years working at Kaiser and enjoys her role in Health Education. A comprehensive outpatient clinic like The Taper Clinic allows her to maintain routine and stability while healing.

Over the last couple years, Jamie began selling her nature photography as greeting cards at local craft fairs and at her favorite yoga sanctuary, Serenity Spa/Soul Yoga in Roseville. All proceeds from these cards are going directly toward her care. She is also preparing small photography gifts as a way to share something meaningful with those who donate.

Thank You

Jamie is doing the hardest work of her life: listening to her body, advocating for herself, and choosing a slower, safer path forward. With the right support, I truly believe she can reclaim her life and not just survive, but fully heal.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting Jamie in any way you can. It means the world to her and to those of us who love her. God bless you.