Helping Jason

Jason is a sweet kid who loves learning about animals. As a toddler he was very energetic and communicative, running around all over the place like most other toddlers. At age 3, he began to get very clumsy but his family didn't know why. Then his speech began to become impaired. At age 5, he was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia, a very rare and life-shortening neuromuscular disease with no treatment or cure. Due to the progressive nature of the illness, Jason was using a wheelchair by age 7, and although he used to love drawing nature comics and playing video games, he can no longer hold a pencil or a video game controller.

Now at age 13, doctors are saying Jason probably won't live to adulthood. Their best guess is that he will live until 15 or 16. 

Friedreich's Ataxia has caused Jason to develop heart disease and Type 1 diabetes. Severe, advancing scoliosis is also part of his disease. His legs are permanently bent and his feet have deformed to the point that they can't fit into shoes anymore. He currently has no trunk control to sit up on his own and he's been incontinent all of his life. He has also been diagnosed with autism, unrelated to Friedreich's Ataxia. Caring for him is a 24/7 gig for his parents (divorced, living separately) and younger sister. 

Medical bills put Jason's family into bankruptcy years ago and they lost their house to the bank shortly before the divorce. His mother was the breadwinner and his father was a stay-at-home dad so they agreed that she would continue to pay all bills for both houses so they can be with him as much as possible. His sister has matured a lot due to his condition and acts as a part-time nurse quite a bit. Both children are homeschooled. Jason's parents have cut corners financially so that they can afford treatment for his condition (for example, they share a 14-year-old vehicle that is falling apart). But times are tough and the money needed to get Jason proper care is running out. Jason and his family can use all the financial help they can get right now, since as his condition worsens taking care of him will become increasingly expensive. Your donation would go toward prescriptions, hospital visits, and various supplies needed for caring for Jason at home. Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated and would help ensure that Jason's final years are good ones.