My brother, Joseph Gullo, BSN, RN, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a young adult after being treated for ADHD throughout childhood. Over the years, he pursued every possible avenue for treatment including medication management, inpatient programs, and outpatient therapy with unwavering determination. Some interventions brought moments of relief, while others came with intense side effects or only modest improvement. Even with his persistence, the emotional exhaustion and gaps within the mental health system made it incredibly difficult for him to maintain stability. After a previous attempt, Joey tragically ended his life.

One of the greatest stressors he faced was simply trying to navigate the mental health landscape. Despite having a supportive family and a clinical background himself, Joey often felt lost when trying to determine which services were available, where to go for care, and how to access the right level of support at the right time. Whether he needed a psychiatrist, a therapist, an intensive outpatient program, or inpatient stabilization, the process was fragmented and overwhelming, especially during crisis moments.

There was no streamlined place for him to see what resources existed for individuals with bipolar disorder, no centralized directory of programs, and no easy way to understand which organizations offered appropriate treatment. This lack of clarity made him hesitate to seek help, not because he did not want care, but because finding that care felt like another uphill battle. After each hospitalization, whether voluntary or during a crisis, Joey struggled to reintegrate both emotionally and socially. Readjusting after discharge strained his relationships, deepened his depression, and affected his ability to work or feel grounded.

Losing Joey created an immeasurable void, but in our grief, my wife Kate and I felt called to turn his struggle into something meaningful. To honor his legacy, we founded The Joey Gullo Fund Inc., a New Jersey-based nonprofit created to serve as a centralized and compassionate resource hub for individuals with bipolar disorder and their loved ones.

Our goal is simple and deeply personal: to make sure no one feels as lost, alone, or unsupported as Joey did. Through this website, individuals can find mental health services, community resources, crisis contacts, and pathways to treatment without having to navigate the maze on their own, especially when they are already overwhelmed.

Our mission reflects what Joey needed most: clear guidance, accessible information, and a place where hope is easier to find.

Thank you for supporting this cause. We know Joey is watching over us with pride, knowing that his struggles have led to the creation of a lifeline for others.

With gratitude,

Greg Gullo Jr., MSN, RN, PCCN, CNML
President and Founder, The Joey Gullo Fund Inc.