Help Me Be Safe
Donation protected
My name is Tori Smith and almost 10 years ago, we were blessed with twins, a girl named Taylor and a boy named Bryce. Right before they turned 2, I received news that would forever change our lives-Bryce was diagnosed with autism.
So we began our journey, fought through challenges and celebrate every small victory. 5 years later we would be met with a challenge even greater then autism. At 7, Bryce was diagnosed with epilepsy. He had anywhere from 10-15 seizures a day EVERYDAY. I can not describe the fear that this caused us. We never felt so helpless. Thank GOD we have been able to get his seizures under control but we know that the same way they seemingly came out of no where, they could potentially come back. So we watch him like a hawk and try to find ways to keep him protected and safe.
One of my biggest fears is if we are ever in public and Bryce gets separated from us, not only would he walk off with pretty much anyone, but he would not be able to tell them his name, our name or any information that would help reunite us. See at 9 years old, Bryce is a handsome, active, happy little boy who is non-verbal (I have never heard my son say mommy or anything for that matter), a runner (he will take off running without any warning or known cause so we have to always hold his hand out in public) and he has no concept of danger or strangers.
He is also considered ‘medically fragile’ due to his seizures. So if we ever got separated, how could he tell them who he is, or my name and cell number, or that he is on a special diet to control his seizures? If someone found him, and wanted to keep him calm until we were reunited by giving him juice and cookies, how would he tell them that juice and cookies could trigger his seizures? I needed to find a way for him to be able to relay pertinent information-safely and effectively. I needed to create a tool for him so that he could navigate through life. I needed to find a way to keep my baby boy safe.
I have created a product for children that will allow them to safely communicate needed information. "Help Me Be Safe" will allow necessary information to be shared without compromising the child’s safety. This product is not only a great way for children like Bryce to communicate but also will be extremely helpful for his sister and other children who do not face developmental challenges. I think back to when Taylor was in preschool and would go on field trips. The teachers placed cards on strings and put these homemade necklaces around the children’s necks. The cards would have a message like “My name is Taylor Smith and I am a student at ABC School. If you find me please call [phone redacted].” I always thought this was very dangerous for several reasons. First of all, when the children would run and play, the ‘neckalce’ would get twisted around their necks causing a choking issue. Second of all, the children’s names were visible to any adult that walked by them; making it easier for those that wish to cause harm to the children to lure them away. I knew there had to be a better way, and I truly believe I found it.
This product addresses these issues and more. It will be an amazing tool for children and give parents like me the peace of mind we so desperately need.
To begin creation and production of this product I am looking to raise at least $5,000. This will allow me to create the prototype and market the product to manufacturers.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to help by making a donation AND sharing this site with any parent you know that want to protect their children.
Together we can keep our children safe!
Thank you so much for your support,
So we began our journey, fought through challenges and celebrate every small victory. 5 years later we would be met with a challenge even greater then autism. At 7, Bryce was diagnosed with epilepsy. He had anywhere from 10-15 seizures a day EVERYDAY. I can not describe the fear that this caused us. We never felt so helpless. Thank GOD we have been able to get his seizures under control but we know that the same way they seemingly came out of no where, they could potentially come back. So we watch him like a hawk and try to find ways to keep him protected and safe.
One of my biggest fears is if we are ever in public and Bryce gets separated from us, not only would he walk off with pretty much anyone, but he would not be able to tell them his name, our name or any information that would help reunite us. See at 9 years old, Bryce is a handsome, active, happy little boy who is non-verbal (I have never heard my son say mommy or anything for that matter), a runner (he will take off running without any warning or known cause so we have to always hold his hand out in public) and he has no concept of danger or strangers.
He is also considered ‘medically fragile’ due to his seizures. So if we ever got separated, how could he tell them who he is, or my name and cell number, or that he is on a special diet to control his seizures? If someone found him, and wanted to keep him calm until we were reunited by giving him juice and cookies, how would he tell them that juice and cookies could trigger his seizures? I needed to find a way for him to be able to relay pertinent information-safely and effectively. I needed to create a tool for him so that he could navigate through life. I needed to find a way to keep my baby boy safe.
I have created a product for children that will allow them to safely communicate needed information. "Help Me Be Safe" will allow necessary information to be shared without compromising the child’s safety. This product is not only a great way for children like Bryce to communicate but also will be extremely helpful for his sister and other children who do not face developmental challenges. I think back to when Taylor was in preschool and would go on field trips. The teachers placed cards on strings and put these homemade necklaces around the children’s necks. The cards would have a message like “My name is Taylor Smith and I am a student at ABC School. If you find me please call [phone redacted].” I always thought this was very dangerous for several reasons. First of all, when the children would run and play, the ‘neckalce’ would get twisted around their necks causing a choking issue. Second of all, the children’s names were visible to any adult that walked by them; making it easier for those that wish to cause harm to the children to lure them away. I knew there had to be a better way, and I truly believe I found it.
This product addresses these issues and more. It will be an amazing tool for children and give parents like me the peace of mind we so desperately need.
To begin creation and production of this product I am looking to raise at least $5,000. This will allow me to create the prototype and market the product to manufacturers.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to help by making a donation AND sharing this site with any parent you know that want to protect their children.
Together we can keep our children safe!
Thank you so much for your support,
Organizer
ToriNikole Smith
Organizer
Raleigh, NC
