Help Lux Heal

I am writing on behalf of Julie Tapia, a dear family friend, and mother to Lux aka Sophia. We are asking for your continued love, prayers, and support for Lux's rehabilitation and healing as we seek options for involuntary treatment centers out of the immediate area. With the ongoing hardships of the global pandemic, soon-to-end unemployment, and limited resources, it will take a village to support a child in crisis.

 

Lux is a 14-year-old who identifies as he/him. He was introduced to meth by an associate named Clover. The two have run away together several times after Clover had run away from his foster home. Each time they were found together they were high and frequenting homeless encampments in downtown and East Oakland areas. After not speaking for a few months, on 9/11/21 Lux did not attend classes once she was dropped off at school. The two we're spotted in downtown Oakland high on meth, with no money, after a houseless man spotted Lux recognizing him from a flier. Clover was arrested shortly after that night, Lux fled the scene and was left alone to fend for himself. Lux was found on Tuesday with the continuous support of family who loves him most. After being transported to Children's Hospital Oakland on Tuesday, Lux went AWOL from the hospital when left unattended. He was later found again Tuesday night.

 

A message from Julie:

Thank you all for your prayers, texts, and calls for Lux and me. I am emotionally drained and overwhelmed with Lux’s current state. I need to focus on Lux, decompress and regather my thoughts. How do I help Lux, who does not want to be helped? The boy who (s)he ran away with is still a factor but her draw to meth is an even stronger pull. Ultimately moving Lux out of state would be the best option but my hands are tied legally with custody. We are actively seeking resources or recommendations for an involuntary program to support right away. Today, Lux agreed to go to the hospital and we are checking her in shortly. Financially we have no other means to pay for treatment, with unemployment ending soon and no other financial support. I have been searching for employment but Lux has been my main priority since October. My heart is hurting, I just want to get him the help Lux needs for long-lasting recovery and a chance to turn his life around. I am taking it one second at a time.

 

If you are able, please share and contribute to Lux's rehabilitation fund. All funds contributed will directly support Lux's recovery, medical expenses, potential transportation expenses for effective and immediate treatment. We know Lux's recovery is possible even if he does not think so right now. We know it will not be easy but it will be worth it. ❤️