Hello,

T’ellyn here, I'm a new mom to Jedikai, who is 13 months old. At the beginning of December, we received alarming news that he has lead poisoning. As you can imagine, this was incredibly scary. Lead causes brain damage leading to cognitive impairment and behavioral problems. Like any parent, I'm determined to do whatever it takes to rid his little system of it.

Lead levels are routinely tested at 1 and 2 years old his first finger prick the capillary blood test was a 10 and his second blood test the venous sample (said to be more accurate) was a 5.2 We are hoping the next one is even lower! His next test will be early February.

The source of the lead was the old paint chipping on the walls, particularly around the trim of our doorways which Jedikai would grab onto while practicing walking. Additionally, our claw foot bathtub, where he took a bath every night, turned out to be lead-based like most claw foot tubs. Our home, built in the 1800s, turned out to be the culprit. Despite the house's age, I never expected it to harm my child.

I share our experience not to dwell on the past but to raise awareness. If only I had known about the potential dangers of lead in older homes. Any house built before 1978 has the potential for lead exposure, and I hope sharing this information prevents harm to other precious little ones.

Jedikai's dad, Joel, has been working hard to support our family. Despite his dedication, our financial situation has become increasingly challenging. Joel brings home on average $3,000-$4,000 a month, which isn't enough for a family of three to survive on. We've been actively searching for a new home within our budget, but the costs and availability have been daunting.

I have been feeling sick for the last 8 months and have discovered small amounts of lead and mold from our past living situation in my system, adding an extra layer of health challenges to navigate. Apart from these health issues, I've silently struggled financially this entire year, going deeper into debt to cover basic needs. I've been working part-time, bringing in $500-$800 a month on average. The pressure to be a present mom, manage household duties, and work has become more than overwhelming.

Childcare costs are another obstacle. We can't afford the $2,000 a month for infant care, making it nearly impossible for me to work. Our situation has reached a breaking point, and I recently found myself in a panic attack, feeling the weight of it all.

I have tried many times to get government assistance over this past year and received absolutely ZERO, not even maternity leave (because I was an independent contractor in 2022). Now that Jedikai has lead poisoning, we have a public health nurse who will be advocating for us. So, we are hoping to get at least CalFresh assistance at some point, fingers crossed.

We are currently without a permanent residence, and I had hoped for a Christmas miracle to secure a new home in Morro Bay. Unfortunately, we didn't meet the qualifications set by the rental agency, making Christmas an especially tough time for us.

Jedikai is a special little soul, and these first two years of life are so crucial to his development. Seeing him watch Mom struggle breaks my heart because I know he can feel it. I want to make this year the opposite of last year, ensuring he has the love, stability, support, and safe home he deserves.

I'm now staying at my dad's place, and Joel is still at the house with the lead issue. We're being resourceful, house-sitting when we can, but the situation is far from ideal. I've taken time off work to closely monitor our little man's health, ensuring he gets the care and attention he needs.

This is a difficult reality to accept, and it's not easy for me to share our story publicly. However, I believe in the power of community, and I'm reaching out for support.

Any contribution you can provide will make a significant impact on our journey to provide Jedikai with a healthy environment and stable home.

Joel is well-known and loved by his community, and your help will not only support our family but also create a ripple effect of gratitude that will be forever remembered.

The funds raised will be allocated towards essential medical expenses and treatments for Jedikai. Additionally, a portion will be dedicated to enrolling Jedikai in daycare, allowing me to return to work and contribute more to our family's financial stability. Currently facing overwhelming debt, our goal is to break even and work towards a brighter future. Ultimately, the dream is to not only stabilize our own situation but to one day be in a position to give back to others – a dream that now takes on a new perspective as we find ourselves in need of support.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering any contribution. Your support means more than words can express.

With gratitude, T’ellyn, Joel and Jedikai

P.S. If you would like to contribute directly to us here is Venmo @tellynbliss