Hi, my name is Keyton, and I’m a dad trying to do everything I can to care for my incredible 15-month-old son. He has Level 2 autism, sensory processing issues, gastrointestinal allergies (including a full dairy allergy), and significant developmental delays. He’s unable to walk yet and requires full-time therapy — speech, physical, and occupational — just to have a chance at catching up to his peers. He also suffers from torticollis and has a flattened head that requires a specially fitted helmet. Unfortunately, Medicaid won’t cover the cost of the helmet or the surgery he needs to correct these issues — leaving me with medical expenses I simply cannot manage alone. 

 Our Story We’ve been on a difficult and emotional medical journey since he was born. He’s been in and out of emergency rooms, has undergone extensive testing and MRIs, and has been hospitalized multiple times for severe vomiting. The cause is still unknown, and we’re fighting to get him the proper evaluations, specialists, and care he needs. Developmental delays, allergies to foods like broccoli, garlic, and dairy, and a long list of complex symptoms have made his case challenging — and Medicaid has not been able to keep up. Despite everything, my son is a fighter — full of light, joy, and potential — but the lack of access to proper medical care is holding him back from a better quality of life. 

 Why I’m Asking for Help 

 I’m doing all I can. I work as much as possible, but I don’t have child care. I’m on three daycare assistance waitlists, and with no family nearby (we’re in Austin, and our closest support is in Houston), it’s just me caring for him full-time. We do not qualify for food assistance like EBT, despite barely scraping by on rent and essentials. I’ve reached out for every local resource I can find, but our unique situation doesn’t fit neatly into the systems in place. The financial, physical, and emotional toll is overwhelming — and I’ve reached the point where I can’t do this alone anymore. To make matters even harder, my son’s mother has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and is undergoing treatment for multiple autoimmune conditions, and is having a extreme high risk pregnancy of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes which means she is unable to help financially or physically at this time. 

 What Donations Will Help Cover: 

 • His helmet and custom medical fittings 

 • Specialists and therapy services that Medicaid does not cover 

 • Out-of-pocket testing and procedures • Travel and lodging for medical appointments outside Austin 

 • A chance to provide him with consistent developmental care and a better future 

 Even a $5 donation — or a share — means the world to us. You’d be helping give my son access to critical care that could change his life. 

 I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I’m asking because I believe in doing everything I can for my child. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for helping in whatever way you can. 

 With deep gratitude, 

Keyton