Many of you know my best friend, Shelly Calanni Dillenburg. We have been friends since we were kids. I am asking for you all to help her as she is in dire straits. Her son Jesse was diagnosed 8 years ago with a mental illness. His diagnosis of schizophrenia is a disease that is misunderstood and has an unfair stigma attached to it. Jesse was living with Shelly after he was missing for two years. He was doing well as he was taking his medications. Unfortunately, a major symptom of this brain disease is that the person is actually not aware of their symptoms. Jesse never realized that he was suffering with this illness. He stopped taking his meds, which many persons diagnosed with this disease do. On June 3, 2013 Jesse took Shelly's car and once again disappeared. For almost 3 weeks she has been on the phone with public agencies between NY and California. Jesse was spotted in Venice Beach, Ca on June 19th. He is despondent and living on the streets. Due to the current laws as long as Jesse is not a danger to himself or others, he cannot be forced to take his medication or to seek help. Shelly's dilemma is difficult. For the past eight years she has been his caregiver, support system and continues her relentless advocating for the rights of persons inflicted with mental illness. At this point, she would like to fly to Venice Beach, CA to ensure the safety and wellbeing of her son. She would like to establish any means of living for Jesse, other than being homeless. I am asking as a friend that we all help her to find some piece of mind in this journey by donating anything that you can to aide her in getting to California, making arrangements for Jesse and locating and returning her car back to NY. This is such a hopeless position for her to be in, I pray that you will all feel the same heartache and help my friend. She has donated much of her time helping other families in similar crisis, and now it is our turn to give back. Thank you and God Bless.