My brother Mike has lived in his 2012 Toyota Camry for a year. He also works in it.  He's a full-time Uber driver who runs an Amway business on the side.  He's candid about these facts with anyone who inquires. He's less candid about having been diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early twenties. After receiving his diagnosis Mike's determination to beat the odds and live an independent life took over. He's successfully done that for the past thirty years.  That's significant, seeing as only 28% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia ever do.  Without immediate financial  help, however, my brother is in danger of losing everything.  Even the humble, and strong among us, have their limits.


DIAGNOSIS: SCHIZOPHRENIA

Mike believed the  challenges in his life were specifically assigned to him. He also felt he had the character, and fortitude, to overcome them - IF he could summon the courage to fight.  He believed he had an obligation to become an example for others.  Mike has fought, without complaint, his entire life.

Before doctors found the right medication to quiet the voices in his head, Mike was alone with them. When they grew too loud he would admit himself to the psych ward at Dominican hospital. He did so to insure he wouldn't commit the act of suicide, as the voices he heard were instructing. He said it was the most terrifying place he's ever been.  Mike is a fighter. He's also the most courageous person I know. He never questioned why he had the genetic predisposition for schizophrenia, and his siblings didn't.    He never complained about the years lost learning to live with his illness. He never said he felt cheated.

He doesn't see himself as a victim.   He doesn't feel sorry for himself.   Because of that, Mike has never felt comfortable asking for help, so he hasn't.    After his diagnosis, all he asked was for the people he loved to maintain their faith in him.  He was 27 then. He is 57 now.

Schizophrenia is incurable.  Mike has been successful managing his with proper medication, and therapeutic treatment. He is disciplined, and abstains from drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or using drugs.  He has also cultivated a profound faith.  Mike has a deep, personal relationship with God. It's exhibited in his service to those with needs greater than his own.  The most recent example occurred when Mike began living in his car. He had a roommate. Mike invited a friend , who was also homeless, to stay with him until he could find a space of his own. He never asked his 'roommate' to pay him.  He would not have accepted had he offered.
Mike is not like you, and I.  Social interactions often leave him depleted. He needs time and space to replenish himself. He needs privacy to self reflect, and self regulate. You can't do that when you live, and work, in a midsize sedan. I'm concerned about my brother, and I'm sad. He deserves to feel secure. He deserves a better life than the one he is living.

Stress is taking a toll on my brother.   It's evident in his face, and posture.   I know he's aware of it, and  I know he's scared. I know, because he asked me to help write this.  I am living in poverty, so this is all I can offer him. It breaks my heart  to see him suffer. So, as difficult as this is, we appeal to you.


WHAT HE NEEDS

I'm going to make two requests - the one he made to me, and the one I am going to make to you, for him.  

Mike came to me asking to help him raise $1,200. I'm going to ask you to help me raise $5,000. (This amount would give him a six-month surplus, new tires, and engine  maintenance.) He is not asking for money to help get him into a new home. His request is far more simple. He needs money so he can maintain the car that is one to him. Any, and all, donations will go to Mike McAnerney. He is the sole beneficiary of this campaign. 

No donation is too small.  If you can give five dollars, please give it. If you can give twenty, give that. If you're in a position to give more, we hope you do. You'll be helping to bring security back to Mike's life. We will both be humbled, and grateful.

All donations are directly deposited into Mike's personal savings account. If you'd rather, you can send him a donation at his PO box, listed below.

If you have a vehicle in working order, or a prepaid gas card, or a room with a bed. . . Anything. Please, give it?


Mike's 2012 Camry has 160,000 miles on it. It is in need of new tires, and engine maintenance. He is presently adding another 2400 miles per month to the odometer as an Uber driver. He has a monthly car payment of $350, and he is presently behind one month. He spends an additional $500 per month on gas, and another $250 on insurance.


He is in need of money to upkeep his car, his home.  He is in need of hope.  Are you in a position to provide some?

With gratitude, and humility,
Patrick McAnerney