My name is Sean Secord and my family is looking for help with taking care of my autistic son, Ryan, who has developed many health problems over the past 2 years. He has spent nearly 40 days inpatient in a children’s hospital since February of 2023.

It started with a lack of eating, vomiting, and severe weight loss. After the first 3 admissions, it was finally discovered that he had significant esophagitis (inflammation of his esophagus), gastroparesis (slow digestion that leads to bloating and pain), and severe lactose intolerance (and his favorite foods were milk and cheese).

He still has bouts where he stops eating and loses 10-20 lbs quickly and needs admission for IV nutrition, though his GI issues are better with his current treatment.

However, over the past couple of months, he has developed SEVERE insomnia and has not slept for more than 10-12 hours a WEEK in a little over 2 months despite many different meds designed to help as recommended by his developmental pediatrician and neurologist.

It's to the point now where my wife and I have to take turns sleeping so we can function and also take care of Ryan and his younger sister.

My wife is a stay-at-home mom due to Ryan’s needs (he is severely autistic with limited verbal abilities and needs constant care), which makes us a one-income household.

However, the current situation has made it very difficult and even impossible at times for me to work, and it has been difficult to keep our heads above water financially.

I have FMLA protection at work and receive some limited funds through NY paid family leave.

However, these funds are significantly less than my regular pay and only cover me for a limited amount of time per year.

My family and I are asking for any help you can give to allow me to be home to help care for my son while we work through his many medical problems. It will also allow us to give more attention to our daughter, whose needs and wants unfortunately often go unattended due to her brother’s issues.

Thank you so much for your support.