Hope and Help for the Grant Family

As many close to the Grant Family know, it's been a challenging journey for them. The difficulties have increased over the past several months, and we want to take away some of their present and upcoming burdens. They continue to show up and love their two special needs sons, one another and those around them through every extreme trial and challenge.

They have two special needs sons who are lights to those around them and to the community. Their oldest son, Luke, has Autism, epilepsy and a rare autoimmune disease that has caused a lot of pain and challenge these past couple of years. Matthew has Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy and a spinal cord injury and has been hospitalized for respiratory viruses more frequently as the years have gone by. The level of care Matthew and Luke need is very significant. There is a nursing shortage and they have been unable to find additional nursing help for Matthew beyond the amount they have. Jason and Amber rarely get away for more than a few hours and the level of care of their boys has taken a severe toll on their health over the past 6 months.

In May, when Matthew was hospitalized, Jason tore his retina and had to have laser surgery which was resolved after two weeks. Matthew got severely ill again but recovered after a few weeks with significant respiratory support at home. Then immediately following, Luke began having several grand mal seizures and severe behaviors due to brain inflammation. They were in the middle of listing their home and pulled it off the market so they could deal with everything.

Adding to the needs, Luke also turned 21 this August, which meant his primary disability services ended. They have been paying for his behavior therapy privately out of pocket and cannot afford it on top of everyday costs. Luke has come so far in his goals and growth and we don't want to see this therapy end. He still serves an enriching and quality life. Not to mention, all care, education, vocational help, and medical and behavioral needs are now all being carried out without the support of school or behavior therapy (if they cannot afford it). Luke continues to have out-of-pocket medication and lab costs as the family has worked to find answers to his autoimmune condition and regression. He also needs daily care, supervision due to his seizures, dietary intervention due to food allergies and lots of help in general. Luke has been stable for a couple of months now, but they are still seeking medical treatment, and he will have another procedure/test. There is no respite available, except what they pay people for. Luke needs to continue the goals that he has worked so hard to achieve and the family needs behavior support for him.

Out of nowhere, in September, Jason detached the retina in his other eye. He had major surgery and could not work or help Amber lift and care for the boys for four weeks. He is recovered but now has limited vision in that eye until he gets cataract surgery. He has also had daily headaches from high pressures in that eye. He is returning to work now. They were blessed so much by people around them with gifts and meals but unfortately, they already had several medical bills and had gone through so much. Thanks to those people-they were able to get out from under a lot of accrued medical, but now they have more coming and Luke and Matty’s needs continue. Jason and Amber still need to care for themselves too mentally, emotionally and physically.

Amber has had complications Epstein Barr Virus as well the effects of the high stress. She has needed to see specialists and get counseling.

This is a lifelong journey for Jason and Amber and they are deeply committed to both their boys. We want to help them keep going by:

-Contributing to some of the boy's ongoing/future needs below.

-Nursing respite ($20/hr)

-Luke's private behavior therapy costs ($700/month)

-Uncovered medication costs for Luke ($600/month)

-Uncovered medical and counseling costs for Jason and Amber

-Maybe a couple of small staycations or self care for them to rest and recover.

If you feel led to continue to walk alongside the Grant Family, please consider donating. Most of all, please continue to pray for them and all families like them that continue to fight the good fight of serving the least of these.