Saving my son without shame
Donation protected
As a mother...If your child came to you and informed you they were suffering from what could be considered a potentially fatal illness, how would you feel?
If your child came to you and told you they honestly didn't want to live anymore, what what would you say to them? If your child came to you and asked for your help, what would you do for them?
As a mother...I, unfortunately, have been faced with not one, but all 3 of these scenarios in the last 30 days. And it is truly a mothers worst nightmare.
My son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, OCD and ADHD at the age of 7. He was prescribed Clonodine and Nortriptoline.
He was doing college level algebra in Jr. High - He attended Clarkson University where he studied mechanical engineering - When he was 20 he took himself off his medication and joined the Army National Guard. He not only made it through bootcamp, he graduated as "Soldier of the cycle". He went onto do is AIT training in geospatial engineering - Where he graduated top of his class.
Then he got deployed to Kuwait...For 18 months.
My son has battled mental health issues which ultimately led to self medicating, which resulted in drug addiction. Ending with a sense of worthlessness, homelessness, anxiety and depression.
Because my sons "illness" is not considered a legitimate "disease" per se' in our society - treatment is costly and not guarenteed. Ironically enough, neither is chemotherapy or radiation - but you still take that chance, dont you?
2 weeks ago I put my 26 year old son on a plane with a one way ticket to Florida, $23 cash in his pocket, a pack of cigarettes and a promise that I would do EVERYTHING in my power to fight this fight with him. He has no insurance and the VA is unable to assist with the treatment he needs. He was graciously offered a scholarship for a portion of his treatment at Amethyst Recovery Center, which is a dual diagnosis treatment facility - The balance was $8,000 before aftercare expenses.
I want my son to live. I want him to get the help he wants. I want him to get the proper mental health diagnosis he deserves. I want my son back. And long term aftercare is what he needs to be successful in his recovery. Please help me in my fight for Shane.
I understand mental health and drug addiction are very sensitive and uncomfortable topics to discuss and are frequently unfairly judged by many.
Today I am sharing without shame, to save my son.
As a mother...
If your child came to you and told you they honestly didn't want to live anymore, what what would you say to them? If your child came to you and asked for your help, what would you do for them?
As a mother...I, unfortunately, have been faced with not one, but all 3 of these scenarios in the last 30 days. And it is truly a mothers worst nightmare.
My son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, OCD and ADHD at the age of 7. He was prescribed Clonodine and Nortriptoline.
He was doing college level algebra in Jr. High - He attended Clarkson University where he studied mechanical engineering - When he was 20 he took himself off his medication and joined the Army National Guard. He not only made it through bootcamp, he graduated as "Soldier of the cycle". He went onto do is AIT training in geospatial engineering - Where he graduated top of his class.
Then he got deployed to Kuwait...For 18 months.
My son has battled mental health issues which ultimately led to self medicating, which resulted in drug addiction. Ending with a sense of worthlessness, homelessness, anxiety and depression.
Because my sons "illness" is not considered a legitimate "disease" per se' in our society - treatment is costly and not guarenteed. Ironically enough, neither is chemotherapy or radiation - but you still take that chance, dont you?
2 weeks ago I put my 26 year old son on a plane with a one way ticket to Florida, $23 cash in his pocket, a pack of cigarettes and a promise that I would do EVERYTHING in my power to fight this fight with him. He has no insurance and the VA is unable to assist with the treatment he needs. He was graciously offered a scholarship for a portion of his treatment at Amethyst Recovery Center, which is a dual diagnosis treatment facility - The balance was $8,000 before aftercare expenses.
I want my son to live. I want him to get the help he wants. I want him to get the proper mental health diagnosis he deserves. I want my son back. And long term aftercare is what he needs to be successful in his recovery. Please help me in my fight for Shane.
I understand mental health and drug addiction are very sensitive and uncomfortable topics to discuss and are frequently unfairly judged by many.
Today I am sharing without shame, to save my son.
As a mother...
Organizer
Cyndi Brodeur Chasse
Organizer
Nashua, NH