Support Ian's recovery and more!

Story

My name is Jeanine, and my son Ian and I need your help! As most of my friends and family know, Ian was born with a variety of special needs, including cognitive delays, Autism, epilepsy, and more. He has now been newly diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect, causing severe hypoxia and triggering an increase in his epileptic seizures. Open heart surgery will be required to correct Ian's medical issue. This news is not only frightening, it is discouraging. Ian had been working a parttime job at a grocery store, under the direction of a wonderful job coach. He also found a group of friends, through a community-based art class, which I saved up for him to join. Things had been going well until the seizures started and a diagnosis was made. At this time, all his classes, and his job, have to be put on hold. Ian has been struggling daily because his normal activities, which help him cope with anxiety and daily functioning, must be suspended until after he heals from surgery. I am watching my son suffer daily, not only because of the chest pain, but also due to his world coming to a standstill. If you know anyone with Autism, you know how challenging it is to have routines taken away. I am very humbled to ask for help. I have been a single parent since 2011, and during most of that time, I have worked two jobs to make ends meet. I am blessed to have them; however, my parttime job does not offer paid leave. I will need to take time away to be with Ian during this very important surgery and recovery. Our expenses will be stretched beyond our means, and we must try to find funds and accommodations to kennel our dogs during our hospital stay. This is an important piece in Ian's world, as he is an avid animal lover, and his dogs hold a very special place in his life. While these major healthcare challenges and financial concerns have taken priority in our lives, something unexpected happened. I have recently found myself without a vehicle. In asking for your help, I am also seeking to help replace my vehicle which was struck by another car in an uninsured motor vehicle accident last Friday. I was honestly hoping my 2017 Kia Forte, with only 72k miles, would last me another 7+ years, making this situation another huge financial hit. I would like to express my many thanks for your consideration and your prayers. Regardless of your ability to donate, your prayers are sincerely appreciated, lifting up me and my son, during this stressful time. With sincere gratitude, Jeanine