Samuel’s Medical and Living Expenses

Hi, we’re the Gilliam Family and we’re raising money for our son.

Samuel is our curious, resilient, and joyful 5 year old. He is autistic, language impaired, mobility impaired and requires round-the-clock care and support.

In 2023, after multiple mysterious bone fractures Samuel was diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, Samuel’s medical team has yet to discover the cause. We spend a lot of our time at Gillette and Children’s St. Paul working to find out why while simultaneously treating the current fragility of his bones which makes him a high-fracture and high-fall risk.

Sam requires 24/7 care and we’re finding ourselves drowning as we try to carry his medical situation and maintain life’s other responsibilities (our daughter, our 4 jobs, home, therapies, etc.). He will be getting a wheelchair, gait trainer, and continues to learn how to use his AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device. Sam has been using a TOBII Dynavox with eye gaze software to expand the ways he can communicate.

This process of treatment and diagnosis is ongoing with no clear end in sight. Because of the relentless nature of this process we have reached the point of needing help.

We’re reaching out to ask for help in covering medical and living expenses while we work toward a diagnosis and a sustainable treatment plan for Sam and his current symptoms. We have exhausted all supports offered to us through insurance and our county of residence. We’re grateful for what they’ve been able to provide up until now but we still find ourselves in need.

Our desire is to be present and attentive to Sam, our daughter and all other responsibilities while we navigate the unknown.

We are deeply grateful for any and all consideration and help.

Thank you.

Some of the ways we would be using your gift:

- Regular therapies that allow Sam to grow in safe spaces for his body (speech at home, Pool Therapy)

- Additional PCA hours to ensure we have two adults when both kiddos are home, which keeps everyone safe

- Adaptive stroller wagon: Samuel loves outdoor adventures and we’d like to get a safer and larger wagon to keep getting him outside

- Adaptive equipment to attach his AAC to his mobility aids

- Unforeseen needs that consistently arise