A New Day for Griffin

My name is Cory and I’m reaching out to ask for help for my son, Griffin. He was attacked by a couple of children in daycare last October and has developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a direct result, Griffin has been through 5 daycare transitions following these attacks and struggles with symptoms every day. These are behaviors that we had never seen before in him. He was always an outgoing, albeit stubborn, little guy with a huge heart. These changes in our 3-yr-old son have shocked to our whole family, and especially Griffin himself. He has begun to show signs of depression and anxiety and would often go numb after a conflict with a friend. He has wondered out loud if he’s broken or bad. This has taken a huge toll on our family - both emotionally and financially - and we have made the difficult decision to divorce in order to give our son better routine and a calm home environment. Griffin is a bright, energetic and loving boy - to be repeatedly reject by peers and adults has been devastating to him. 

The reason that I am asking help now is that Griff has shown night & day progress at his current school since June and he loves it - but he has regressed during the stress of our separation and the school is now requiring 1:1 care for Griff while he attends. His therapists also feel that this is beneficial to Griffin, and provides a sense of security in his uncertain and changing world. They have also very strongly advised against changing preschools - noting data that failed preschool experience can predict a lot of different negative outcomes later in life for kids - including high school drop out, substance use, and mental illness.

In order to maintain 1:1 care for Griffin in his current preschool, we need pay out of pocket a minimum of $2800/mo - which is all but impossible to afford. The school plans to re-evaluate in a few months, so we are seeking help with 3 months of 1:1 care for Griffin. We may need more 1:1 care at that point, but we pray that will not be the case. Griffin is also in psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and now psychiatric care - and all of which take money and time - which I would give and never stop giving for this little boy.

If funds are tight, as they often can be, please consider sending a note of encouragement to Griff or a card to brighten his day and help him remember the love and kindness in his world (see below). Also, if you feel so inclined, please write to your local officials or congresspersons and urge them to support young families by, 1) making early childhood care more affordable, and 2) creating tangible resources for families with young children with special needs so that these bright beautiful souls do not fall through the cracks before their life truly has a chance to begin.

In hope and kindness, 
Cory

Griffin Burghy-Jackson
6301 Offshore Dr #302
Madison, WI 53705