With a heavy heart, I am reaching out to share the challenges our family is currently facing following my son Jasper's recent diagnosis of level 3 autism on January 22 of this year. At just 2 years old, Jasper has suffered from significant issues stemming from his disability, he is non-verbal and has been exhibiting signs of autism since he was around 8 months old. One particularly concerning issue he struggles with is pica, which involves eating non-food items, alongside severe sensory sensitivities that have left him reliant on baby formula.

One of our biggest fears is Jasper's tendency to elope. He often escapes from his bed, opens doors, and runs away. Just last night, we thought he was safely asleep, only to discover he had crawled out and was chewing on a plastic bag. He had shredded this bag and was eating it. When he seen me he squealed and sucked the plastic back into his throat! I had to do thr Heimlick on him and I pulled a mouth full of plastic out of his mouth! This was literally one of the scariest moments in my life! My heart sank as I witnessed him in such a dangerous situation – the fear of what could happen in an instant is unimaginable.

To provide a safe sleeping environment for him, we are in desperate need of a specialized autism bed with essential safety features, including sensory lights, a leak-proof mattress, locked doors, and a ventilation system and cameras. Doctors have been amazing and filled out extensive paperwork to help Jasper get approved through insurance. Despite applying through Medicaid twice, we've faced denials: initially for lack of diagnosis and then because they deemed it "not medically necessary." Which is insane because it absolutely is medically necessary, our child can die. Unfortunately, many states do not recognize the need for such crucial items, creating significant barriers for families like ours. The total cost of the bed is $6,000, this includes shipping. Extra $200 was put to cover the fees to cash out.

As we all know tax season is now. However, most of you know I just finished a year long cancer battle, causing significant issues, leaving Jaret to foot most of the bills alone while I was sick. We had to borrow over $8000 just to stay afloat, which was promised to be paid back and has been paid back with taxes. Leaving us again without the extra resources.

We are reaching out for your support. Any contribution toward securing this safe bed for Jasper would make a tremendous difference and help alleviate our fears for his safety. No parent should have to endure the anxiety of potential death to their child due to lack of safety measures.

Thank you for considering our story and for any support you can offer. Your generosity can help us provide a safe environment for our beloved boy.