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Meet Declan: A Brave, Bright, and Beautiful Soul
Declan is our 9-year-old son, and he lights up our world in ways we could never have imagined. Declan is severely autistic, and while he faces unique challenges every day, his strength, courage, and determination inspire us constantly. He loves swimming (he's basically a fish), swinging, and watching his favorite animated Disney movies, and let's not forget lots of hugs from family and friends. His curiosity for the world is boundless.
Declan experiences a form of autism that shapes his world in ways that differ greatly from his peers. It impacts his coordination, as well as his ability to speak and form words. At 9 years old, potty training remains a significant challenge, along with managing both his verbal and physical stimming. He is highly sensitive to new environments and becomes easily overwhelmed in crowded spaces, which can lead to intense agitation. While Declan receives daily Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), physical, occupational, and speech therapies—delivered with great care and compassion—these treatments alone cannot fully address the unique needs that make him so extraordinary.
As parents, our greatest wish is to provide Declan with every opportunity to thrive. Unfortunately, some of the therapies that could significantly enhance his quality of life—such as stem cell therapy and Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT)—are not covered by insurance. While the exact number of treatments needed remains uncertain, our research suggests that multiple sessions of these therapies would be most effective in improving his well-being and maximizing their impact.
We are reaching out with humility and hope to ask for your help in making these treatments a reality for Declan. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly towards his care and the resources he needs to reach his full potential.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our amazing Declan and for any support you can provide. If you’re unable to contribute, sharing this message would mean the world to us. Together, we can help Declan take steps toward the brighter future he deserves. The links below provide some great information about the types of therapy that we are pursuing for Declan. These videos range in time from just over 1 minute to over 25 minutes.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Kyle & Jennifer
North Florida Stem Cells Presentation by Dr. Eric Weiss (YouTube)
Stem Cells Explained by Dr. Alok Sharma
Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy by Dr. Andrew Peterson
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