I met the Holcombs in May of 2009, right after my college graduation, when I became Cody's mentor. Cody has the gentlest spirit and is easy to love, so he found a place in my heart right away. His family followed right behind him. They are originally from the Midwest and uprooted to Connecticut in search of better autism services. Just last year, they uprooted again to New Hampshire for the same reason, as Cody is about to turn 21. The Holcombs are my second family. They are unendingly generous and have dedicated their lives to making the best ones they can for their sons. They never have extra, but you would also never know it by what they give. They are the reason that I have the job I have now, and have shaped my life in so many other measurable ways. 

On Sunday, April 15th, the Holcombs made a fire in the fireplace of their rental home in New Hampshire. They've lived there since September. Neighbors noticed flames coming out of the chimney, so they called 911. The fire department came, put out the fire and left. Cody was displeased with the interruption (he had a sequence of things he had to complete before he could leave the house), but there was no damage, so he went back to his routine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t over. Somehow the fire reignited and this time, by the time anyone noticed, the entire roof was on fire and was already falling.

Julie knew she couldn't yell because Cody would get too upset to listen, so she walked to him in the bath and told him, "Get out now. Fire." He understood. She wrapped him in a towel and he let her lead him to the car. They left with almost nothing. They grabbed some of Cody's things (his iPad, its charger, a few clothing items), but not much for themselves, not even shoes. They are counting themselves as being lucky because they were awake when this happened and everyone, including their dog Gaber, made it out safely. But they have nothing left. Cody has serious anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder in addition to autism, so losing his entire world at once is unthinkable. Cody's parents are doing an amazing job of keeping his routine as normal as possible from a motel, but they need help. Cody has a very limited diet and they can't just eat at restaurants for a while. They have to buy all new clothes, shoes, medications, supplies for their dog, food... everything. Insurance will help, but there is no evidence of when that will happen. Any contribution would be so, so appreciated. Thank you so much for reading and for your contribution, if you are able to give. 

Below is a picture of Cody's bedroom.