Have you ever loved someone with severe mental illness — bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or something similar?

Then you understand the roller coaster.

The constant cycle of feeling okay… and then not. Medications working… until they don’t. Trying to stabilize something that can shift so quickly because brain chemistry is always changing.

Recently, my brother — who has struggles with severe mental illness — was violently attacked.

He woke up in the hospital unconscious, with his head cracked open after being hit with what we believe was a glass bottle. He had also been stabbed and suffered multiple other injuries. We are incredibly lucky he is still alive.

That night, he was in a manic state, which made him an easy target.

My brother is not able to live independently, and I’ve been helping support him financially. Now, I’m asking for help.

We are trying to raise $8,000 in the next two weeks to cover urgent medical and legal expenses.

Too often, people with severe mental illness are overlooked in the legal system because they don’t have the resources or support they need. And too often, they are targeted and victimized because they are vulnerable.

In fact, studies show that people with serious mental illness are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. And despite that, research also shows that crimes against individuals with mental illness are significantly underreported and less likely to be fully pursued, often due to stigma, credibility bias, and lack of advocacy.

And when it comes to the reality we don’t like to talk about — suicide — the numbers are just as heartbreaking. Nearly 1 in 5 people with serious mental illness will attempt suicide, with even higher rates among those living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

When my brother woke up, his wallet, money, and an heirloom ring from our grandfather were gone.

He is one of the most loving people I know — someone who has always stood up for the underdog. Strong supporter of the Special Olympics & Make A Wish. He is a father… And now, he needs someone to stand up for him.

I don’t want him to become another statistic.

If you’re able to give, share, or support in any way, it would mean everything to our family.

We are fighting for his healing, his safety, and his justice.

Please don’t scroll past this — your help could be the reason he gets the chance to heal and fight for his future.