Help Mother with Mental Illness Fight Battle

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Asya Mu'Min and Michael Miller are organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Asya Mu’Min, M.D. I am an Honorably Discharged VA-disabled Army Medical Corps veteran. I am trained as a physician specializing in Pediatrics. I am, also, Muslim, Black American, a woman, mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. I am an advocate for others, a selfless servant, a protector, and healer.

Despite my many accomplishments, I am navigating the challenging world of "mental illness" and overcoming trauma. My struggle was greatly compounded by the multitude of local and global events of 2020: COVID, social unrest following the public murder of Mr. George Floyd, the obscured facts around the targeted killing of young Ahmaud Arbery, the senseless death of EMT Breonna Taylor and too many others, as well as the United States Presidential election fallout. Adding more unbearable grief to my emotional state was the suspicious and gruesome death of my eldest brother in early 2021; an Honorably Discharged Marine veteran and a beautiful soul.

In April of 2021, I suffered a medical emergency and attempted suicide. As a result of my suicidal actions - and the involvement of law enforcement - I was jailed and charged with multiple felony crimes*. I am facing a potentially lengthy prison sentence and the real possibility that I will never again be able to legally practice medicine; due to a non-lethal suicide crisis. Medicine is my purpose and my passion. I never envisioned my life's path taking this overwhelming detour. At the present time, I find myself in dire need of advocacy, protection, and healing.

I need your help.

With humility and sincerity, I appeal to your compassion and ask for your assistance in raising funds to help cover my legal defense costs. I have been unable to practice medicine for several years due in large part to the affects of PTSD on my mental health and livelihood. For my income, I rely solely on VA disability and compensation. I have exhausted my savings and emergency fund (for situational awareness, this has been on the order of tens of thousands of US dollars) for the initial steps of the court proceedings and on medical bills.

Please know that this case is not only about Asya Mu’Min. The elements of my case will bring to light the grave injustice of a self-directed medical emergency ever leading to criminal charges. It is my greatest hope and desire that my trial will be the beginning of increased awareness and effective changes to health policies; for myself and for those who may tread this devastating path after me.

The expectation for all funds is to go directly to legal expenses for trial. Any overflow, I plan to dedicate in full to the creation of and/or support of a pre-existing foundation or non-profit with a mission to combat the criminalization of mental illness (e.g.

https://www.sozoseifoundation.org/). This would be intended as a resource for anyone, not just veterans, in need. Your donation, large or small, makes you a part of the solution. This is an opportunity to be the change you wish to see in the world.

The arraignment for 2 of the 4 criminal charges is scheduled for 17 September 2021. The expectation is that trial will begin early next year. It is absolutely vital that I be able to finance a legal defense; with your assistance, I know we'll be victorious.

I, and my family, thank you in advance for your regard and Humanity. If my story resonates with you, about you, and/or about someone for whom you care, please help with a contribution.

Sincerely,

Asya

#CompassionDuringCrisis
#DecriminalizeMentalIllness
#LetTheDoctorHeal
#MentalHealthCrisisIsAMedicalEmergency
#FightTheStigma
#TalkAboutMentalWellness
#PTSDAwareness
#SuicidePrevention

ORGANIZATIONAL LINKS:

• NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health https://www.nami.org/Home

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

• National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention