Please help my son Harper find the solution to his suffering

Amber Francis is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, my name is Amber Francis and I am from the community of Elsipogtog First Nation.

I am a single mother of two children with disabilities. My youngest Triton is type 1 diabetic, and my oldest Harper has severe non verbal autism who self harms relentlessly over the passed 3 years.

He has sustained numerous trauma resulting in multiple hematoma, swelling, bruises, dislocation, lacerations, gashes, concussion, sprains and other mild to severe injuries on a regular basis.

I have taken him to the hospital on many occasions. I have asked the ambulance to access him on even more afraid if I went to bed, he wouldn’t be alive in the morning. I have been given multiple referrals to doctors, which we’ve followed up on only to receive various treatments and medications; all of which has amplified his aggression, both physically and emotionally. We still don’t have an analysis or resolution.

I am desperately seeking a solution to aid in my sons constant, prolonged and unnecessary suffering. All of the doctors in our area don’t specialize in severe self harming autism, and have yet to find the answer. The overwhelming amount of pain medication required to soothe any of his regular discomfort is not healthy to exceed over time. We have been given a new suggestion to seek medical help at the IWK hospital in Halifax, NS for an assessment and thorough treatment. A little bit of hope after 3 years of despair.

When my son was younger and through out the years, we faced constant challenges. He never understood the concept of danger, and would almost get hit by cars. We built a fence. He would constantly pour all of our groceries in the sink and smash our eggs. We bought some locks. At the time, these incidents and others like it seemed like a big deal. They are nothing compared to the challenges we face today. On top of self-harming, Harper has decided to stop using his hands for recreational or fun activities. For a long time he had me and teachers feeding him by hand, as a teenager. I still assist him shower, get dressed and use the restroom. He chooses to sleep in his jacket, and winter boots every night and doesn’t like taking them off. He got bad bacterial infections as he refused to remove them, but later managed to accept crocs. He sleeps with his arms behind his back which looks incredibly painful, and also keeps them behind his back full time unless to break iPads, beds, televisions, glass and other objects regularly, including the damage of our drywall. I know some people would think I shouldn’t replace them to teach him a lesson but he’s not the kind of learner we are. And believe me, I’ve tried. I already struggle to replace these items regularly and am just able to keep up with their daily wants and needs which I happily sacrifice a lot to do on my own.

I need financial assistance to be able to travel to NS to admit him to the IWK, to spend as many nights needed at a hotel with a support/relief person I’d have to pay, for gas, food and supplies, to hire a sitter for my other child, or to bring him if required and whatever other challenges may arise over that time.

I appreciate the support more than you know, and I am incredibly sorry to even ask for it knowing in everyone’s individual way, we are all facing challenges daily, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope we can all play a part in helping Harper heal and find his laughter again. He was once the happiest, silliest boy who lit up a whole room, and I know if we help him, he can and will again. Welal’in’/Thank you in advance