
Ozzie/Keeton Caregiving Fund
My friend and Actress Ozzie Stewart lives in NY. You may know Ozzie via critically acclaimed award winning film ,Pariah in which she portrayed my mom ( moving scene on steps). Her son, Keeton disappeared in CA September 2016. Shortly after the death of her mother overseas in November, Ozzie is called by the police in December 2016 that Keeton is in the ER in CA.
Ozzie flies to CA and learns from the ER doctor that her child has advanced stage HIV, extremely incontinent and unable to walk. Keeton learned of his HIV status in a check up late October 2016 when he had health concerns.
After a number of medical evaluations/tests, Keeton is also diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. He hates needles so much that he had to be strapped down and still have 4 men hold him down just to get blood drawn.
This is a young man who was an expert roller blader at a very early age, played roller-soccer and headed up a biking team in CA. As a boy, he would literaly give the shirt off his back to a peer who liked it and is still doing that in his ward today. From a very young age, Keeton has had a very globally inclusive view from travels internationally, as far as race, religion etc. He embraced everyone.
Between Jan – February, Keeton has been shuttled between medical and psychiatric hospitals and doctors who believe that they have done all they can for him. “He is at his baseline”, still unable to walk, incontinent, schizophrenic with advance HIV. No nursing home, healthcare facility will take him because of the severity of HIV/ Mental Illness symptoms.
Ozzie needs to leave NY in March and go to California to take care of her one and only child, moving as fast as she can to prepare to be her son's primary caregiver. Ozzie wants to do all she can for her son, not knowing how long she may have him.
Keeton is unable to travel because of his incontinence.
He has to be helped getting in/out of bed, bathed, dressed, given medication, bowel care, laundry etc
Life has changed so suddenly and drastically for them both.
Ozzie's move to the West Coast is extremely costly. Costs involve relocation / caregiving/housing/transportation/food, especially with the quick turn around since January's visit. Funding needed will cover expenses for at least 6 months. Ozzie is also researching essential resources and programs that will assist Keeton's caregiving needs going forward. Time is of the essence. His medical insurance is considered a very base insurance that also is not sufficient for any long term care.
Ozzie thanks everyone in advance for all help and assistence.