Be Sean's Village! Fund Equipment!

I am coming to friends and strangers again, asking for help with funds. I am not quite sinking yet, but it has been a bit of a struggle ever since Sean was born.  There are some holes in my boat that need to get plugged up again. :)  It takes a village to raise a child!

I am greatly appreciative of anyone who is willing to give funds, to help me through this rough patch of having to pay a mortgage on an empty house while I am paying rent somewhere else.

To start with some history, my son Sean was hospitalized for the first 13 weeks of his life. He was very sick and when he came home I was not allowed to put him in a daycare for several more months. He started on therapies in the hospital and had a short break then when he was 5 months old I started the therapies back up. 

Sean has had Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy his whole life.  He has also been getting feeding and speech therapy since he turned one.  His father and I got divorced before he turned 2.  I started back to work as soon as his lungs healed up to where I could put him in a daycare when he was about 9 months old. Sean has always needed special toys, therapy equipment, and extra time with mom for his appointments, surgeries, illnesses, injuries and hospital stays.  His father and I divorced before Sean turned 2.  Sean was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 3. This is not "deadly" but it is highly debilitating and includes breathing difficulty, feeding difficulty, epilepsy, difficulty moving and controlling your body, as well as difficulty speaking. Basically, having Angelman Syndrome means things are very difficult and complex and you likely need help most of the day. Sean also has poor vision from albinism.

It is not a lie when people say that it costs more to raise  children with special needs, than it does to raise healthy and typically developing children.  Not to mention the mental toll it takes and the constant advocating just to get people to apply the Americans with Disabilities Act! 

I work full-time when I can, I am now enrolled in an online bachelor's degree program, and I have a car payment, credit card payments, a mortgage, plus utilities and rent for the place Sean and I live at. 

I was involved in two car accidents last year where I was hit, even though I tried to avoid it. Car Insurance companies tell you your rates won't go up, but I am paying $150 a month in car insurance. This is absurd, but it's the cheapest I could find. 

I am like you, a regular person who believes in working hard.  I am constantly overwhelmed and exhausted. As a single parent, I don't have anyone to tag or yell at for help from across the room.  

I do have many friends and family who have helped me out from time. (Ask, and you shall receive!)

I have always been a giving person and I always will be a giving person.  Sometimes you have to take turns. So, I am thinking,  it is again my turn to receive.  Yet, I will not stop giving.  I will do whatever it takes so I do my part in society and keep this world a fun place to live. I will continue to give money and food to homeless people, I will continue to give freely to those in need and tithe to my church.  I will continue to pay my taxes.  

I enjoy baking cookies and that doesn't cost too much money.  So, if you want some cookies, just be sure to let me know! My specialty is oatmeal, chocolate chip, coconut and pecan.  

Thank you for sharing and donating even a dollar or two.  I will use it on my mortgage, food, the trip to the Christian family retreat here in North Carolina, Sean's Swimming Lessons, and  and anything else that Sean needs. 

I will not spend your contributions on anything that is not critical to ensuring our survival and improved spiritual well-being. Thank you for being part of our village!