I have been putting off making one of these out of pride, shame, and embarrassment, but have come to a point of openness to advocate for myself. During July, I experienced a manic episode and was hospitalized at the Ascension Behavioral Health hospital located inside St. Mary's of Nazareth in Chicago, IL. I then spent two weeks stabilizing on a new medication dosage. Due to the month and two weeks off work without disability or PTO leave, I am flooding in medical bills. Unlike a physical injury, mania is, of course, a mental condition. With that comes internalized stigma and shame due to the belief that I could have done more to prevent it. The Bipolar condition is, like any health condition, at times, out of one's control and I am blessed to be where I am at now due to the support from loved ones and my tenacity. Thank you for considering donating towards my medical bills, I appreciate it so much!

Love,

G