Calum's Mission: ADHD Support for Children

Hi, my name is Calum Bitanga. I am 16 years old and a Junior in high school based in Los Angeles.

I was diagnosed with moderate ADHD, and I’m passionate about helping kids and teens who, like me, have ADHD and anxiety.

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t think much of it. However, I started noticing challenges focusing in class during my freshman year of high school, when classes became harder than in middle school. ADHD mostly affects me when I’m trying to pay attention to the teacher. I can’t get my mind and body to stay still. My brain keeps switching gears, and I have to reread sentences multiple times before I understand them. In one class, I couldn’t focus because the teacher told stories with so many details that I could hardly keep up. It was really hard to understand the material and stay focused.

During my sports games, I was always part of the starting lineup. To other players and spectators, that seemed like a big deal—but to me, it felt like intense pressure that triggered my anxiety the entire game. If only they knew what I was feeling inside while passing the ball and running down the field, they would see my vulnerability.

One of the hardest parts of living with ADHD is always wondering if people will judge me or look at me differently. Some cultures aren’t open to talking about it, and it’s often seen as a topic that shouldn’t be discussed in public. Eventually, I realized through my school peers that having ADHD isn’t a big deal. I started talking to my close friends about it and found out that it’s actually common. This helped me connect with other teens without doubting myself. Now, I don’t feel bothered when someone says, “You have ADHD?”

Having a therapist and a school wellness coordinator on campus is one of the things that gets me through the week. I’m lucky, but I know not all kids have access to this kind of support. What also helps me manage my ADHD on a daily basis are fidget and sensory toys. These help me get through the minutes and hours of the day when the wellness coordinator or therapist is not around to support me—whether I’m in class, in a group setting, or dealing with things on my own.

In 2024, statistics show that 7 million kids under the age of 18 in the U.S. were diagnosed with ADHD. That number doesn’t even include those who haven’t been diagnosed due to a lack of resources or education about the condition.

This fundraiser is about spreading awareness and providing fidget toys to kids and teens in schools, hospitals, and the community. Research shows that ADHD brains often crave movement—so when hands are busy with a toy, the brain can actually focus better. Moving the fingers gives a physical outlet for nervous energy and can calm the body and mind without being disruptive. Sensory toys also help kids recognize when they’re feeling overwhelmed and give them a way to manage those emotions. These tools can help kids avoid embarrassment for things like tapping or moving in social situations.

My goal is to buy as many of these fidget and sensory toys as possible for kids with limited resources. Your donation, in any amount, will go toward purchasing these important tools and distributing them to the following communities:

Thank you for donating and supporting the ADHD community! Your contribution will help make a difference for kids with ADHD and anxiety.