A Chance for Maxwell Elder

Who are we?
My name is Janie Elder, I am 18 years old and starting this GoFundME on behalf of my older brother, Max Elder. Before I share Max’s story, I want you to get to know Max for the person he is.  Max is a twenty year old kid, full of life and dreams with hopes and plans for his future. My entire life I have seen Max always put others before himself and do what it takes to resolve issues and comfort those he loves. He has always wanted so much for himself and others. He is hopeful for a life of adventure, fulfillment, and travel. Max is a college student in Florida where he plays in a band that consists of some of his closest friends. Max’s adventurous soul enjoys surfing and skating. He is also passionate about art and you can always catch him drawing a picture, taking a photo, or editing a video. He is incredibly open minded and has always loved to learn. Getting to know Max is a wild ride that so many people have gotten the pleasure to be a part of. We all love Max with our whole hearts and we hope that you can too. I ask that you read his story with a open mind and gentle heart. Max is a brother, son, grandson, and friend to many, and without him our world is completely different.


Why we need YOU:
On Tuesday, July 3rd our world was turned upside down when we got the news that Max unfortunately had been arrested. Because Max has no prior indication of criminal behavior, we were left feeling stunned and concerned. Later we learned that his arrest was due to an episode of a drug induced psychosis, which ultimately unveiled some deeper physiological issues that have been stirring in Max for a while now. All of Max’s friends and family members are completely shocked by these events due to the fact that he never had any altercations with the law and this behavior is so far from his personality and beliefs as a person. Although we understand that Maxes actions were wrong and have consequences (which max will fulfill as soon as he gets better), as his family and friends, we are fully aware that what he really needs is to be sent to a dual diagnosis treatment facility where he can recover and return to the Max that we used to know. We have already sought out a Lawyer and an Interventionists that will help get Max back to the sweet lovable guy that we know. Max is not a criminal and he is not a drug addict, but he is mentally ill. Unfortunately, our current jail system will not be able to provide the psychiatric help he needs, and we know without getting him the help he needs, we will never get our Max back. Max is currently still in jail, in and out of psychosis, unable to get the medical care he deserves. At this time Max is unable to think clearly and advocate for himself, which is why his family and friends are doing everything in their power to fight for him.  The drugs combined with mental illnesses have created an unrecognizable Max, and he deserves to be fought for.


How YOU can help:
This is where we ask you for help. We hope that you can see Max through our eyes. Through the eyes of a little sister, through the eyes of a mother, through the eyes of many friends that have been showered by Max’s love countless times before. We are a very small family of a single mother and an 18 year old sister. We do not have the financial means to ensure that Max can get the help he needs to make sure that he doesn’t fall into this cycle once more. All of our funds including the attorney, the interventionists, and at least 6 months of psychiatric help will cost us at least $90,000. If Max does not receive this help, it is likely that he will remain in jail, never given a chance to get psychiatric help and find himself again. Every donation, of any amount, is incredibly appreciated and will help Max so much. Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to read our story and for choosing to help Max. Hopefully together, we can give Max Elder a chance.