Funds for Finn's Future

I'd like to introduce you to the Heenan family; Mike, Laura and Finn. Finn is a 16-year-old young man with Autism, and while he's high functioning, he has reached a pivotable moment in his development. He has been attending Grosse Pointe South High School, one of the best schools in the state of Michigan, but they do not offer the developmental and behavioral guidance he now needs. His teachers, counselors, and other resources have done an amazing job providing all they can but his anxiety and emotional stress are now a barrier to his continued education. His parents, Laura and Mike, have tried every possible avenue to get him the treatment he needs at this crucial juncture in his life and exhausted all local resources, including various therapeutic options over the last 2 years. His doctors feel that the best choice for Finn at this point is to be placed in an inpatient facility as soon as possible, where they provide more specialized treatment and Finn can be surrounded by others with similar challenges. Without this inpatient treatment, they feel Finn's development is stalled and he will lack the life skills needed to continue his growth. With this treatment, doctors believe he will receive the behavioral modifications needed to flourish and continue growing developmentally.

Laura and Mike have done an exhaustive search to find a place that can provide this treatment and is covered by insurance, but such a place does not exist. The cost to send Finn to The Sundance Canyon Acadamy, the facility recommended by doctors and therapists, will be a minimum of $60,000 and could be more depending on his progress. They are contributing all they have, $35,000, to get him started but will have to remove Finn halfway through unless they are able to raise the remainder.

Additionally, last year Laura was struck with triple-negative breast cancer. She has completed her grueling treatment plan, but with her specific type of breast cancer, she is at a significantly higher reoccurrence rate. The financial and emotional stress this has placed on the family unit continues to be a burden. The uncertainty of her next 3 years and the impact to her ability to continue to contribute income is always present.

Mike is an elementary teacher in the Grosse Pointe school system and gives so much of himself to his students daily. In addition, both Laura and Mike have given so much of their time to our neighborhood, helping in whatever way they can. From mowing lawns and shoveling snow for others to the now annual fall block party, we can always rely on them to actively participate in the community.

I have never met a more deserving family and truly appreciate any donation that may help Finn complete this treatment program regardless of the amount. I am confident the Heenan's do too!