Help Launch a Nonprofit! (Neurological Disease)

LAUNCH OFF MOA 528 is committed to establishing as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2023 to bring awareness to severe chronic neurological diseases, especially those we currently define as severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and others. This distinction is important because the mindset of practitioners, lawmakers, and the community, is a huge barrier to better outcomes. By reducing stigma, educating people, and changing our view of mental illnesses, we can open the door to better prevention and treatment.

We will also provide support, resources, and education for caretakers, families, and community partners, and help to increase funding for research. We hope to connect the right group of individuals and resources to create new programs and a new model to help make progress toward this dream.

** PLEASE NOTE: DONATIONS ARE CURRENTLY NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. We are raising the funds needed to establish our 501(c)3 nonprofit and will provide updates once this changes.

If you are unable to donate but want to stay involved or know of someone who can use our resources, please find us on Facebook (facebook.com/friendsofmoa), Instagram (@friendsofmoa), or send an email to moafitt at gmail.com. We will add you to our email list once our website is up and running.

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Who is Moa? She is a mother who started a journey to help her son when he began showing signs of a severe mental illness at the age of 15. With no experience with the mental health system, she was shocked to discover the enormous amount of barriers that existed and made the situation more difficult. While navigating her journey, she identified gaps and barriers that exist in the current model along with misinformation and a lack of support for families, especially those with younger children.

Why Moa528? There are Moas everywhere. Caretakers of the invisible, the forgotten, and the feared. Many individuals have loved ones that struggle with a severe chronic neurological disease that affects their behavior and presents as a psychiatric condition primarily. This view prevents many from doing more to support and help find answers.

The response from family members and the world is very different when you're a parent whose child has schizophrenia or another serious psychiatric condition versus having a child who has cancer. Most parents in these situations don't share their stories due to stigma, to protect the privacy of their loved ones, and a lack of trust in the current model that exists. Click here to read information by the Mayo Clinic about Schizophrenia.

Why now? The number of people affected is growing and there is a reason for every individual to care. I believe as we watch an increase in neurological illnesses, mass violence, and higher toxicity in our environment, this is something that will one day touch everyone (like cancer).

There is hope and there are a lot of smart people who I have learned so much from already, so we can make a difference. But it will require a major shift in our perspective on mental illness and a new model for treatment and research programs. Not easy obstacles, but this can be done.

Although DNA research is complex and does not yet provide concrete answers to specific genes causing these conditions, most scientists and medical experts agree that there is a hereditary component with the following:

** This is important because the number of individuals being diagnosed with these conditions is increasing. Visit our Facebook page for shared news stories, articles, and statistics.

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We want to find ways to:

[These illnesses are usually progressive like other chronic illnesses. They get worse with time and without treatment.]

[These illnesses are complex. Our current medical model and framework need

the flexibility to provide better solutions.]

We challenge all those with a background in medicine, wellness, social work, law, education, and the community at large to get involved. Moa hopes that we will see a cure in her lifetime for these complex illnesses. Until we do, we will continue to support those who need it most.

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It is hard to put into words what it feels like to be a MOA. Stop and think about your own child in middle school. And one day he is going to school, smiling, spending time with family, getting good grades, and participating in sports. His personality is kind, gentle, and loving. He has not ever had any disciplinary issues, has never taken drugs or alcohol or has done anything to predict a cause for behavioral problems.

But then you notice your son:

At first, you think he's a teenager and some of this is normal behavior. But slowly, it grows into something more. You start talking with him about seeing a counselor but he isn’t interested. You keep vigilant and talk more with him and do what you can to help. But the situation continues to worsen without you knowing how much, until one day, he starts to talk about:

Your heart sinks acknowledging the severity of what is happening. You reach out for help and resources only to be shocked by what you find and feel helpless, but you are desperate to do something for your child.

Over the next months and years, you will watch your child's personality change and you will begin to mourn the loss of a child who still exists right in front of you. You will feel helpless while seeking support and help from others, while discovering that most people are too afraid, misinformed, or lack compassion. People will start to avoid you and look at you as a bad parent and your child as a bad kid.

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Please read Moa's letter to her son when he was in Acute Psychosis at 15 years old.

Dear Anonymous 528,

​Although a lot has changed for you and for me, I want you to know that as your mother, nothing will ever prevent my understanding of who you are as a beautiful, kind, compassionate, and intelligent young man. You are and will always be my sweet little boy and I will always be your mom. Despite the demons and evil you speak of, your confusion about past memories and experiences, I will not be afraid. I will stand with you through this hell and I will fight by your side through all this darkness until we can find the smallest light of hope. Remember, you were born from darkness, a little baby born exactly at sunrise. And also remember, the smallest light is always the brightest in the darkest of places.

I have been learning a lot through this journey and I am embarrassed to acknowledge that before this I was completely blind to a population of so many people who have felt and feel as helpless as I do. I was shocked to learn that I have no rights as a parent, to get you treatment even though you are in such a debilitating and ill state. I have not understood the lack of compassion and fear of others to help. I am deeply saddened that most of my family has been unsupportive and that they continue to dismiss your existence as if you are no longer here. I have been frustrated with the current model that exists which asks me to wait for you to try to kill yourself or to hurt someone else before you can get any treatment. 

While the weight of all this is enormous and my heart is heavy for all of the suffering you are enduring, I will not stop trying to find ways to help you heal and find answers. I love you and this journey has sparked a feeling in me that is deeper than any love I have experienced. I will continue to do the best I can to be there for you and our family, especially your younger brother who is your best friend and the other person most affected by what our world has become.

In honesty, I do not know what the future may hold for you. That is why I have to try more than ever to change the course of what others expect your destiny to be, to ignite new possibilities, and to be a light for others who need hope too. The other day you told me to not call you by your name, you said that wasn't your name and when I asked you what should I call you, you responded "Anonymous 528". And I said, "Well then I guess that makes me 'Mother of Anonymous 528'". You briefly smiled, the first smile I have seen in a very long time.

I love you always,

Your Mom

(Moa 528)

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Please consider donating today!

528 people donating $10 will reach our goal!

10 people sharing with their friends and donating $528 will reach our goal!

We are truly grateful for any support and we want you to know that your hard-earned money is going toward something valuable and important. We thank you sincerely for any donation you can make! ** PLEASE NOTE: DONATIONS ARE CURRENTLY NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. We are raising the funds needed to establish our 501(c)3 nonprofit and will provide updates once this changes.

If you are unable to donate but want to stay involved or know of someone who can use our resources, please find us on Facebook or send an email to moafitt at gmail.com. We will add you to our email list once our website is up and running.