Merri Jo Hooven's Battle For Conor

We need your help! My name is Sara Hoffmann, and my husband Michael, together with his family, are starting this fundraiser for their sister, Merri Jo Hooven and her son. Please read the heartfelt message below from her. Keep in mind, Although she doesn't mention her daughter Elizabeth in her message, it's important to know that she is also severely autistic and living at home with her. At the same time she continues to fight for the appropriate care for her son, Conor.

 

I believe in Angels…

 

My son, Conor arrived into this world August 14, 1995. The first year of his life, he never slept more than 60 minutes. By the age of two he stopped speaking. It was at that time, that I realized Conor was truly special. A while before the age of three, he was diagnosed with Severe Regressive Autism.

 

Amidst extreme hardships, he has truly been a blessing in my life. I believe he was given to me intentionally, to teach me to be fully present in every moment and to derive pure joy from the simplest things: feeling the waves of the ocean; climbing a tree; accepting a hug.

 

Fast forward 23 years…

Over the summer, Conor endured an attack of ulcerative colitis that landed him in the hospital for about seven weeks. His body was wracked with abdominal pain, he endured malnutrition, seizures, and heart issues, but his spirit would not give up! During that time, friends and family rallied around him with prayer, home-cooked meals, and support.

 

By the time Conor was released from the hospital, at 6 feet he weighed 114 pounds and had tragically lost the ability to walk. We moved Conor to a place of healing where a team of angels at Ivy Cottage provide his daily care, surrounding him with love and kindness during his recovery.

 

Conor’s fight with colitis has continued as I explored treatments and identified specialists and put together a team of professionals who could help him return to health. In September, he began injections of Humira under the care of a wise and compassionate doctor. By the grace of God, he has now been in remission for nearly four months.

 

During the past seven months, on leave without pay, I have financed the overwhelming costs for Conor’s care and supervision. I am faced with the ongoing expense of his daily care, mounting medical bills, diapers, supplements, etc. I am incurring huge legal fees negotiating with Regional Center to honor services in place and available for the disabled community, and to fund his care.

 

I have often asked myself how I can find the strength, the courage, and the determination to go on fighting. The answer must be that in his most vulnerable state, Conor is surrounded by angels; people like you who look beyond themselves with compassion toward my beautiful son. So many have stepped in to hold me up and to support Conor, who faces all of this pain and uncertainty with innocence and grace.

 

Calling all angels…