When my brother experienced the onset of schizophrenia last year my family immediately started looking everywhere for help. At first it seemed like there were many institutions and programs available. But then as we looked closer we found that the programs were all underfunded, or overcrowded and not actually available to help him. He was in a crisis care center for a week when they determined him "ready" to be released which was followed by a psychotic episode that landed him in jail.
At the beginning of the new year I set out to find some creative alternative ways to help him. I want to help him produce his music so that his voice can be heard and raise funds for private treatment. I hope that his story will show how much of an asset he and others with mental illness can be to society when given good treatment. I've created a website to follow his progress and creativity www.savingpat.org. It is my hope that by finding what helps him we can help others.
