My name is Rebekah and Michael is my son. After being a 24 week preemie, I knew that he would have challenges but I wasn’t adequately prepared for the extent. Let me start by saying mental health issues are real and valid and can start at a very young age. Michael is 12 and since 6, has been struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder and Conduct Disorder. With 14 hospitalizations over 3 years, residential treatment with round the clock therapy and care is his best shot at a normal healthy life in the long run. As a single mother just recently regaining employment after a work injury that cost me 2 1/2 years and 3 surgeries, affordable health care on a minimal salary is just out of my reach. Illinois Medicaid does not cover residential treatment. The grant process could have him waiting over a year and the only other option is to not pick him up when he is discharged from the crisis care facility, which will be any day now, and get DCFS involved, which would seemly be more traumatizing. Unfortunately Michael does not have proper insight into his illness, he has poor judgement and lacks empathy which leaves his younger brother and I subject to repeated thefts and violent behaviors. He has attempted suicide by overdose, has a history of fire setting, running away, & aggressive and violent behaviors when triggered. Michael’s justification for continued care is that he is a danger to others, a danger to himself and the probability of re-hospitalization is extremely high given his condition and inability to identify his triggers or understand his condition. All that to say, I am trying to save my son but insurance will not cover the treatment he needs. Residential care on average is $10k/month and I am hoping just for 6 months of care to try and make a difference while I can save up the money to purchase adequate private insurance and cover the deductibles. Anything that you are willing to donate to help my son get the mental health Services he needs would be appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. Hes an amazing kid, he just needs some extra care. I don’t want him to be a statistic because I cant afford to get him the help he needs. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,

Rebekah Fields