Michael's survival/healing project

I am revising my goal and revising my story a bit to make my situation clearer.

I am not seeking an adventure, or a road trip, or anything like that. I am trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. When I resign from state employment for medical reasons, my usable income will drop by about $1700 a month after taking into account added medical insurance costs. Living in a van or a trailer, mostly camping on Bureau of Land Management land for free, will cut expenses dramatically and make things possible.

I had hoped to live in a travel trailer where I would do “at home” hemodialysis. Still, a van-dwelling situation will work; I will camp near cities that have dialysis centers. So, I am revising my goal to $9000. This will buy a reliable, used cargo van and out-fittings for van dwelling.

Now to the original story….

My kidneys are failing. I learned I have lithium-related, chronic kidney disease nine years ago while being treated for cancer. Doctors told me when I was diagnosed I would eventually need dialysis or a transplant to survive. I am months away from beginning dialysis and have been referred to Oregon Health Sciences University for placement on their kidney transplant list. The waiting period for people with my blood type averages roughly five years. I will soon to be on disability, leaving my post as Office of Consumer Activities Director with the Oregon Health Authority. My life is in rapid transition.


This photo was taken in 1979 while I was being admitted to Dammasch State Hospital. I was 19 years old. 

I am a survivor of the mental health system. My kidneys are shutting down because I was prescribed too much lithium for too long as medical treatment for a condition rooted in trauma and diagnosed as bi-polar disorder. I’ve worked for the state of Oregon for the past 15 years in a variety of roles. Leaving after two brief years directing the Office of Consumer Activities is painfully difficult. I’ve devoted my life to helping improve mental health services for all Oregonians, hoping to see the day when services fully respond to people’s goals and needs. 


A few great frineds and colleagues.

Going forward, I will be freer to express my thoughts about the consumer/survivor (AKA peer) movement. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you; I am excitedly looking forward to writing a weekly blog on all things related to the consumer/survivor movement, while continuing my life’s work as a mental health advocate. 

My grandson Henry helping make a pizza.

My income will be reduced significantly due to disability, forcing me to make some difficult life choices. I will not be able to afford the apartment where I live and will need to cut expenses dramatically. The option for cutting expenses that appeals to me most is to live in different places throughout the year in a van or recreational vehicle. Not only will living this way be economical; living close to nature will be healing to my body, mind, and soul.

With encouragement from friends, I am using GoFundMe to ask for your support to launch this next chapter of my life. I need equipment to start the journey: a pick-up truck or van; a camping trailer; and some supplies. Though not necessary, a trailer would help ensure that I have a clean environment to maintain my health. By living on the road – in places such as forest, state and RV parks or setting up camp on public land – my expenses will be reduced and my financial situation secured until I receive a transplant.

I believe this will be a positive journey with great things to come! Thank you for your consideration.