A Move For Autism
Donation protected
Hi everyone! My name is Rennie Jackson. I’m from Knoxville, Tennessee, and I am fortunate enough to have three beautiful, amazing, intelligent, nerve-numbing sons, Keon-11 Kesean-9, and Travis-7. They are energetic, affectionate, bright, and full of trouble (and dirt, and boogers, and all the other gross stuff boys are made of). They also all have Autism.
When my oldest Son, Keon, was born, he was less than 4lbs. He had a feeding tube and very acute jaundice. Early on I noticed that Keon did not speak. By 15 months, still no words. I told his doctor of my concerns at every visit but I was only 20 years old and very afraid. I was told repeatedly, "Oh he's just a boy. He'll grow out of it." Well, he didn't. At age 4 Keon was diagnosed with Autism. When my next two children were born, I knew immediately. Kesean also did not speak and Travis hated to be touched. Our early years together were very difficult. I mourned my living children, blaming myself for their difficulties. I was unable and unwilling to accept that this was our life. Then I decided that I could either curl up in a ball being of no help to my precious babies, or I could stand strong and help them in every possible way.
The tears still come at times but these days they are from happiness. After reading every shred of info I could get on Autism, I became my children's biggest advocate and their biggest fan. Two years ago I married my Best Friend and the boys gained a Father, 3 more brothers, and something we hadn't had before: a support system. There have been major changes with the boys. They are INCREDIBLE!! They do new things each day that surprise and awe me and with more support, I believe the possibilities for my guys are endless. That's where I need your help!
In 2011, I moved to Atlanta with my boys to connect them to The Marcus Center, an institute dedicated to treatment of people with Autism. At the time, only Keon was diagnosed and with these new resources coupled with the intuitive new school district, Keon began to make major progress. For the first time, my child was talking!
However, due to circumstances beyond my control, we had to move back to Tennessee. The services my children do receive here have helped. My children's teachers and speech therapists are amazingly dedicated to helping them succeed. Unfortunately, our school system lacks the support that Special Education students need and there are not many resources in the community for Autism. Services are so sparse that a couple recently attempted to open a small school for children with Autism in our area. While this offers some hope, I just can't risk that not happening and waste even more valuable time. We need to move as soon as possible so that the boys can have the opportunity to thrive once again and maximize their great potential. The early years are key, and I am hoping they will be able to learn skills that will grant them their independence in future years.
So, here's where all the great people who love Keon, Kesean, and Travis come in! We are asking that if you can, please donate to our campaign. We are hoping to raise enough money to cover our moving expenses and to help us get established in Georgia. We'd also like to be able to travel back and forth between Knoxville and Atlanta periodically to maintain a strong relationship with our other 3 amigos. We’ve set the goal pretty high, but please don’t let that deter you. Every little bit counts and we’d be appreciative of anything, even the change you could spare. If you are unable to do so, please just spread the word, not only about us, but about Autism in general. Children and families dealing with Autism are as awesome as anyone else. We just need a little help over the hump sometimes ;-) Thank you so much for reading.
-Rennie
When my oldest Son, Keon, was born, he was less than 4lbs. He had a feeding tube and very acute jaundice. Early on I noticed that Keon did not speak. By 15 months, still no words. I told his doctor of my concerns at every visit but I was only 20 years old and very afraid. I was told repeatedly, "Oh he's just a boy. He'll grow out of it." Well, he didn't. At age 4 Keon was diagnosed with Autism. When my next two children were born, I knew immediately. Kesean also did not speak and Travis hated to be touched. Our early years together were very difficult. I mourned my living children, blaming myself for their difficulties. I was unable and unwilling to accept that this was our life. Then I decided that I could either curl up in a ball being of no help to my precious babies, or I could stand strong and help them in every possible way.
The tears still come at times but these days they are from happiness. After reading every shred of info I could get on Autism, I became my children's biggest advocate and their biggest fan. Two years ago I married my Best Friend and the boys gained a Father, 3 more brothers, and something we hadn't had before: a support system. There have been major changes with the boys. They are INCREDIBLE!! They do new things each day that surprise and awe me and with more support, I believe the possibilities for my guys are endless. That's where I need your help!
In 2011, I moved to Atlanta with my boys to connect them to The Marcus Center, an institute dedicated to treatment of people with Autism. At the time, only Keon was diagnosed and with these new resources coupled with the intuitive new school district, Keon began to make major progress. For the first time, my child was talking!
However, due to circumstances beyond my control, we had to move back to Tennessee. The services my children do receive here have helped. My children's teachers and speech therapists are amazingly dedicated to helping them succeed. Unfortunately, our school system lacks the support that Special Education students need and there are not many resources in the community for Autism. Services are so sparse that a couple recently attempted to open a small school for children with Autism in our area. While this offers some hope, I just can't risk that not happening and waste even more valuable time. We need to move as soon as possible so that the boys can have the opportunity to thrive once again and maximize their great potential. The early years are key, and I am hoping they will be able to learn skills that will grant them their independence in future years.
So, here's where all the great people who love Keon, Kesean, and Travis come in! We are asking that if you can, please donate to our campaign. We are hoping to raise enough money to cover our moving expenses and to help us get established in Georgia. We'd also like to be able to travel back and forth between Knoxville and Atlanta periodically to maintain a strong relationship with our other 3 amigos. We’ve set the goal pretty high, but please don’t let that deter you. Every little bit counts and we’d be appreciative of anything, even the change you could spare. If you are unable to do so, please just spread the word, not only about us, but about Autism in general. Children and families dealing with Autism are as awesome as anyone else. We just need a little help over the hump sometimes ;-) Thank you so much for reading.
-Rennie
Organizer and beneficiary
Rennie Jackson
Organizer
Knoxville, TN
Phyllis Taylor
Beneficiary
