Shining a Light on Mental Health — For Christian Auldridge

Help Support Christian’s Healing Journey

Hi friends and family,

As many of you know, my son Christian Auldridge has been receiving care at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, Maryland. As of this Tuesday, August 6th, he will have been there for three weeks. He is currently staying in one of their adult mental health units, receiving around-the-clock support and working closely with a team of professionals to stabilize and heal.

Christian was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder just before his 18th birthday. While the past couple of years have had many great moments, as with many people navigating a new diagnosis, there have also been challenges with finding the right medication and support along the way. This recent stay at Sheppard Pratt came after some tough moments, and I’m incredibly proud of the strength and courage Christian has shown in allowing himself to receive the care he needs.

For those of you who knew us during our time in Frederick, Maryland, you probably remember Christian as a huge part of my company, Staged Above. He wasn’t just my son — he was my right-hand guy, managing logistics, running our staging warehouse, and driving our trucks day in and day out. Many of our clients came to know and love him through that role, and I know so many of you have reached out in the past asking how he’s doing.

As a parent, it’s one of the hardest things to watch someone you love so deeply struggle — and even harder when your child becomes an adult, and your ability to help in the ways you want becomes more limited. Mental health, especially for young adults, is such an important issue. I’m sharing our story not just to ask for help, but to bring more awareness to the many families walking this path quietly.

This GoFundMe was created to help cover the cost of Christian’s stay at Sheppard Pratt, as I’d love to ease some of the financial responsibility that his dad has generously taken on during this time. If we happen to raise more than what’s needed for the hospital stay, any additional funds will go toward Christian’s continued care — including prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and helping him work with his dad to take steps toward living more independently when he’s ready.

If you are unable to donate, we completely understand. We’re so grateful for your prayers, positive thoughts, and support. Every kind word, every message, and every prayer means the world to us.

I’ll be heading back up again this week to visit him, and we’re hopeful that this will be a turning point — one that leads to stability, hope, and a brighter chapter ahead.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and standing with us.

With love and gratitude,

Shari Casanova and Family