As most of you know, our beloved Aidan is about to be of an age where the state will want him to make his own medical decisions. While this is a milestone that comes and goes for every child, for Aidan it is not so simple. In order to keep him healthy (both physically and mentally), he will need to have an advocate named, which is resulting in some unexpected legal fees.

Upon recommendation of his various doctors, I have filed for Continuing Tutorship so that there’s no hiccup in his care. I’ve been working with a great local attorney’s office that is giving me a deal, after Legal Aid dropped the ball. All of the documentation, doctor’s letters of recommendation, and special education IEP have been submitted. The paperwork has been drawn up and signed. However, the courts require a $400 filing fee. These documents need to be filed as soon as possible because he turns 18 in May. The rest will go to the attorney.

Any contribution towards this cost would be tremendously appreciated. I’d also appreciate it if you could share the link.

For those who don’t know, Aidan has a rare genetic disorder called Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome (CFC). Under the umbrella of that, he has a VP shunt in his brain, Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, a seizure disorder, mood dysregulation, short-term memory difficulties, yearly visits to the cardiologist, and anxiety. However, all of that is not who he is. They’re simply what he’s challenged with. As most know, AB is funny, caring, and bright in his own way. I just want to keep it that way.

He has already overcome tremendous obstacles in his short life. Our “Irish Fire” (the meaning of his name) spent the first 2 weeks of his life in Duke Children’s PICU, fighting for his life. We were told in that first year that it was highly unlikely that he would ever walk, talk, eat solid foods, sit up on his own, etc. But God had other plans. We had nurses and physical therapists come into our home a couple of times a week for 18 months. We, his family, even his siblings, worked with him and loved on him. I would pray over him and whisper to him, when he was in a forced coma in the hospital, that he was Irish Fire and a Mulligan, meaning he gets “do-overs” for life! You golfers know what I mean. Then when he was in 2nd grade, we were told it was excessive ventricle fluid on his brain that was causing random slurred speech, confusion, forgetfulness, and tiredness. Two brain surgeries ensued. Then the mood swings would derail him. But he won’t quit. I love that about him. He’s in JROTC in high school but still gets sad that he can never realize his dream of being in the military because of his conditions. But, boy, is he proud of that uniform.

He’s a living, breathing, walking miracle!

Thank you for your support.