I’m writing on behalf of my kind-hearted, charming, and passionate special education student. Cashmere, who has profound autism, lived with his grandfather, and his mother and uncle. Cashmere recently experienced the tragic loss of his grandfather, who was his primary caregiver. Beyond the loss of his best friend, Cashmere also suffered a horrific trauma surrounding his death. He was found dehydrated, malnourished, and deeply traumatized from still being with his grandfather after he passed.

Following a difficult hospital stay, due to his fear of medical procedures and need for excessive sedation, Cashmere is now living with and being cared for by his loving “Auntie” and her two young children. Cashmere cannot fully grasp his grandfather's passing and repeatedly wants to go “help grandpa”. Cashmere has yet to go outside or attend school, due to an overwhelming fear of heights and elevators. Cashmere requires a lot of support and has a long path to recovery, physically, emotionally and psychologically. Despite his aunt's tireless effort, Cashmere's needs and the resulting financial strain on the family is overwhelming.

1. Caregiver Assistance: Cashmere needs constant supervision to ensure his safety and well-being while his aunt attends work. He also requires significant assistance with all activities of daily living, including dressing, hygiene and procuring food and drink. The hope would be to hire a part time aide or therapist to help with these activities.

2. Therapeutic Intervention/Adaptations: Cashmere will require therapuetic support to help him overcome his fear of going in an elevator or down stairs. Cashmere’s aunt is also seeking out a more accessible apartment which is costly. Yet she knows how much he wants to be in school with his friends and teachers.

3. Necessities for Living: The family needs assistance to cover basic living expenses, including medical care, housing, clothes and food.

Cashmere faces a challenging road ahead, but your support or sharing can help provide some security and solace that he needs to get through. Cashmere, his "Auntie" and myself thank you so much for your kindness, love and support