Ezekiel (Zeke) is a very happy, very bright 4-year-old, relentless bundle of energy. Zeke was recently diagnosed as autistic, had previously been diagnosed with ADHD, and has had ongoing medical issues since infancy. He requires regular doctor visits for his respiratory ailments, daily breathing treatments, and receives therapy for his autism several times a week. A sometimes hectic but consistent, structured daily routine and familiar environment are essential for a sense of normalcy for an autistic child with ADHD, which has been steadfastly provided by his mom, Desiree, while working a full-time job and with no help from his deadbeat father. Zeke has been thriving thanks to Desiree’s ethic as a parent: With God’s help, you can do all things, do whatever it takes to nurture and protect your child…Life is a Labor of Love, and God is love.

After years of absence and neglect of his responsibility as a parent, Zeke’s biological father filed for custody last year. This person is a stranger to his son, and it would seem to be a pattern because this man has 5 other estranged grown children from 3 different women. Zeke would be exposed to that pattern over time should his father prevail in gaining custody. More immediately, it would disorient and potentially harm him on many levels, traumatize him emotionally and psychologically, and could reverse current advancements and progress he has made in his development that he and his mom worked so hard to achieve thus far.

It was so frightening and disheartening to think that it could happen to Zeke. So naturally, Desiree sought out the best legal counsel she could find to protect her child from what could be a dreadful, uncertain future with his father. In answer to much prayer, and after months of legal preparation, just two days before trial, Zeke’s father negotiated a settlement and gave up his parental rights in exchange for cancelling out all back child support, legal fees, and court fees; No question it was well worth it for Zeke’s sake, but the legal fees have accrued into the tens of thousands, to a point where it has created an extreme financial burden on Desiree, affecting every financial aspect of their life going forward.

This is a humble appeal for help to pay for Desiree's legal fees. Please donate whatever amount you can. No amount is too small and is sincerely appreciated, and please share this fundraising appeal with family and friends.

Thanks for taking the time to read Zeke and Desiree’s story.

Dångkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, Man Guaiya Hamyo Todu”.

(Big thank you and God’s blessings and love to all).