At the end of September, Austin was in a very dark place and felt he was no longer needed on this earth. It was a very difficult day and I took him to a kids facility to get help. He spent 4 days at this facility, saw therapists daily, and was given medication for depression. Once he was back home, he still struggled but managed to put a smile on his face every day. He made honor roll, was helpful with household chores, made jokes, found a passion for making Beats on his phone and enjoyed doing Fortnite dance moves! I tried my best to be patient with him, tell him I love him every day and encourage him when he was feeling down. Then along came Tabby! Tabby is a stray cat who came around when Austin really needed a friend. Tabby has been an awesome cat and has really made Austin so happy even when he was feeling really down. So we've taken Tabby in and Austin is making sure he's living his best life! But sometimes some stories don't always have a happy ending. Austins attitude and mood swings have really taken a turn for the worst. Still trying to be patient, Austin really tested me and he took discipline really hard. Negative thoughts came back and on Thursday Jan 17, Austin was admitted to a different kids facility. He stayed another 4 days, was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed another medication. Austin has been seeing a therapist weekly since October (changing therapist because he's awful), and sees psychiatrist monthly. We will be doing further tests on Austin to see if there's any other diagnosis because we really want him to be better and be happy. So with all this being said, I'm reaching out for help. I've cut my work hours in half so I can take Austin to his appointments, make sure I'm home on the weekends to monitor him, and trying to make ends meet is nearly impossible now. I'm drowning in Austin's medical bills, and bills in general. So anything you are able to donate would go to bills and we would be forever grateful for your help! We would also appreciate everyone keeping Austin and I in your prayers. Ive completely hit rock bottom and dealing with my own demons. I try to make light of certain things and smile because I need to stay strong for my son since I'm all he has. Austin is my everything and I love him so much. Thank you guys for taking the time to read this, it means a lot to us!

**Good morning, family and friends**  1/23/2019

First off I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart! My son and I are so grateful for everyones donations. This means so much to us and we are so thankful. I know as of right now, I am past my goal but please do not stop donating if you are able to. The medical bills are still piling up due to his most current stay at the kids facility. His health insurance only covers a certain amount. Plus medication and therapy is another added expense. Most importantly, please still share our story. I shared a fraction of it. Im sure I could have said more but this was as to the point as I could get. Parents, please check on your child, listen to them, ask how THEY are doing, how things are at school. Let them know you will always be there for them and let them know they can talk to you about anything! Its so unfortunate that kids these days go to self harm and suicide because they feel it's the only option they have. Its heartbreaking to see news or hear stories from friends or friends of friends that a kid passed due to mental illness. I wish I could take away every child's pain and suffering. I just want to be more vocal about mental illness and bring awareness to those who may need help or going through the same thing. 

Also if anyone has any tips/things to share/prayers/anything, please feel free to email me. 
[email redacted]

thank you again for everything you guys are doing for my son and I. We are so blessed!