Help Jeff in His Fight Against Mental Illness

Jeff was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 2015 when he was 22 years old. He graduated at the top of his class from the Fire Academy and had his entire life ahead of him.  It was ripped out from under him by a devastating mental illness. Schizophrenia is a thought disorder that distorts reality. It affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Jeff has been hospitalized several times. Sadly, he also has to deal with the shame and stigma of this illness because of lack of education and awareness. He has a twin sister and a brother who is a year younger. They are pictured here with Jeff, he is on the right.

Recovery is possible, but it is a long road. It can take years to get medication at an effective level and intensive group and individual therapy is a big part of the recovery process. Jeff is currently participating in a great residential program in Atlanta, Ga. This program progresses clients through residential services, stepping down to group living, and finally living independently. The average term can be 4-6 months or longer. Insurance only covered 3 weeks for Jeff. Jeff's case is a tough one and will require a longer stay. The fees for residential care are over 20k per month, which his family will not be able to cover without insurance. We would like to raise at least 100k to cover the fees at this facility and give Jeff the best possible future. Additional funds raised will go into a fund to help Jeff continue his care and live independently when he has successfully graduated from the program. Funds are needed immediately for Jeff to continue his recovery with this program.

#stigmafree #schizophrenia #mentalillness #thoughtdisorder #HelpJeffMc

Thank you!!

Amy and Dave (Jeff’s Parents)