Support for Our Son with Rare Brain Disorder & Autism

Story

Hello friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers, I never imagined I’d be writing something like this, but life has brought our family to a place where we truly need help—and I’m reaching out with hope and humility. We are a family of six, doing our best to stay afloat while caring for our 11-year-old son, who lives with autism, ADHD, and a rare brain mutation called SIM1 deficiency. This condition impacts not only his behavior and emotional regulation, but also his metabolism, growth, and overall daily functioning. He requires constant supervision, specialized care, and frequent appointments with developmental specialists, neurologists, and therapists—many of which are far from home and require me to take time off work. As if that weren’t enough, we are also caring for my elderly mother—his grandmother—who is battling carotid artery disease, congestive heart failure, COPD, and several other conditions. She is in the late stages of life and relies on oxygen full-time. I’m her primary caregiver and must transport her to her many medical appointments as well. Between my son’s medical and behavioral needs and my mother’s terminal condition, I’ve missed more work than I can afford. This has made it harder and harder to keep up with bills, especially our mortgage, which is now behind. We are trying desperately to avoid foreclosure while maintaining a safe and stable home for our children and for my mother to live out her final days with dignity. We are not people who ask for help lightly. We’ve explored every option we can—assistance programs, payment plans, and even bankruptcy. But right now, we need a little extra support to help us bridge the gap and keep our family from falling apart under the pressure of circumstances beyond our control. We’re asking for $7,000 to help: • Catch up on our past-due mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure • Cover transportation costs and unpaid time off related to medical appointments • Maintain stability for our son and mother during this incredibly difficult time If you are in a position to give—no matter how small—please know that your support would not just be financial. It would be a lifeline for a family who is fighting every day to hold on. If you’re not able to donate, please consider sharing this post. We believe in the kindness of community and know that even in the hardest moments, we are not alone. With all our hearts, Jennifer, Joseph & Family