In her loving memory, the Aimee Oki Foundation was established to actively support those affected by Bipolar Disorder and depression. We strive to educate young adults about the significance of mental health and provide professional resources for those in need.
Formerly known as manic depression, Bipolar disorder includes extreme mood swings from emotional highs to hopeless lows. This long-term illness can be treated with medication and therapy.
Aimee was all of the following things: a daughter, sister, musician, athlete, and a best friend. She was just like everyone else--she had goals and lived a very fulfilling life. But she also battled bouts of deep depression. Her family noticed changes in her normal behavior only one year before she took her life.
After returning home after graduating from college, Aimee showed signs of depression--sleeping more and getting out to exercise or visit friends less. She began living outside of her means by shopping online and opening credit lines. Aimee was also in a relationship that was kept private for a year and a half before it was exposed, This event was a traumatic experience that deeply affected her. During the summer of 2012, she became rebellious, opinionated, hyper-energetic, and determined. She also began to have trouble sleeping. Aimee was escalating into someone that was unrecognizable to her family, who knew her as loving, considerate and sensitive to others' feelings. On July 4, 2012 a family friend, who also suffers from bipolar illness, shared with the family what she observed in Aimee's behavior throughout that evening. They knew very little about bipolar illness until that conversation. On July 17, Aimee was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and major depression, and put on a treatment plan. While under the care of a psychologist, a psychiatrist managed her medication. Her manic behavior was subdued. Although there were signs of improvement, it was extremely difficult for her to accept the medication regimen into her life.
There were additional challenges that she faced outside of her mental illness. She struggled with finding a job, and had difficulty remembering information. All these struggles sank her deeper into depression and skewed her view of what was actually happening around her. Her family and friends encouraged her to get into a routine, whether it was exercising or attending a social event to lift her spirits. However, it was challenging to know exactly what Aimee needed when was not able to communicate her entire feelings. Aimee could not see that everyone was there to love and support her through her illness. She was too consumed with hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. On January 5, 2013, the pain was too unbearable for Aimee to carry on. She took her life early that morning. In her memory, this foundation strives to help those living with mental illnesses. May they know that there is hope, they are important, and that help is an option.
In alignment with its mission statement, the Aimee Oki Foundation will use all money donated to aid in the fight against Bipolar Disorder. AOF's goals are to raise awareness of the illness, support the treatment of patients, and lend guidance to families. We hope to decrease this number and help save lives.
Aimee Oki Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) Corporation. Your generous donation is tax deductible. please visit our square store to make a donation online. For check donations, please make checks payable to Aimee Oki Foundation. The mailing address is 6 ARLINGTON ST, LADERA RANCH, California, 92694.
Aimee Oki Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) Corporation. Your generous donation is tax deductible. please visit our square store to make a donation online. For check donations, please make checks payable to Aimee Oki Foundation. The mailing address is 6 ARLINGTON ST, LADERA RANCH, California, 92694.
Students are a big focus of AOF. We believe that getting educated on bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses will also aid in early detection and treatment. Please reach out to your counselor for further resources as well as questions.
AOF is always looking for your feedback and/or input on how we can be a presence in our community.
Please contact us with questions or ways you can volunteer!
For information on Bipolar disorder: NAMI National Institute of Mental Health For help: Didi Hirsch Organization Depression and Bipolar disorder Support Alliance