In Memory of Chistopher Keyes 1994- 2023

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Christopher (CJ) was a foot soldier on the front lines in the fight against mental illness. He exemplifies the great need for more education, more resources, more understanding, and more dollars in the fight against mental illness. Christopher had been an AP student and a star athlete. He was  in his first year of college on  basketball and academic scholarships when he had his first psychotic break. Perhaps no one told him- or even knew- the potential grave risk associated with marijuana on the developing teenage brain. While we can not be certain of causation, there is research to suggest a strong possibility, given no family history of serious mental illness. His mother graduated from Georgia Tech and his father from University of Central Florida. Christopher was incredibly handsome and popular. Mental illness can happen to anyone.

 

The real problem is not the psychosis- we can treat that with medication- at least to where it is more "manageable." And we have inpatient "crisis management" - lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. The REAL problem is that is ALL we have. So now you have young men and women in what should be the best part of their lives, alone and isolated. There are no communities in the US where these young people can live that offer independence, while providing the opportunity for activity, productivity, and community. I mean there are such places...but they cost upwards of $10,000 a month- more like $15,000 if we are being honest. And for those who are homeless and have absolutely no resources, there is some limited housing in GA, the loving work of Rosalynn Carter. The problem is the other 90+% of people in the US living with serious mental illness.

 

We need to do better. 

 

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