The Fight for Cayden's Future

Help a Devoted Mother Protect Her Son from Harm

My name is Jessica, and I’m a single, stay-at-home, homeschooling mother doing everything possible to protect my beautiful, brave, and incredibly gifted son. He is a highly advanced child who is also autistic and struggling with post-traumatic stress symptoms after a traumatic relationship with his father. He is a deeply sensitive soul who feels and perceives the world in extraordinary ways. While I am a mental health professional, I quit my job to focus on pouring all my energy, love, and focus into him and his unique needs. I’ve built my entire life around being a mother deeply attuned to his needs, always willing to adapt so he can thrive in a world that isn’t always made for kids like him. The traditional education system has always struggled to give neurodivergent children like him a space to thrive, and that is more true now than ever.

Unfortunately, we’re now facing a heartbreaking legal battle that I cannot fight alone while remaining a full-time mother.

My son’s father is taking me to court in an attempt to gain custody of a child who has made it clear he feels unsafe, unheard, and deeply distressed in his presence. He has shared, in no uncertain terms, that he does not want a relationship with his father — a man who has repeatedly caused emotional harm and continues to exhibit behavior that is harmful to his well-being. He hasn't been in his child's life in a consistent way since 2019. He has spent up to 9 months at a time having no contact with him, withholding financial support, and refusing to go to family therapy to heal their relationship. Now, he is using the legal system and my vulnerable position as a stay-at-home mom, living off of my savings, to force our son into a relationship that makes him feel unloved, disempowered, and unsafe.

I’m doing everything I can to honor my son’s voice and protect his right to feel safe — emotionally, mentally, and physically. But the legal system doesn’t always protect children the way it should, and I am terrified of what could happen without proper legal representation.

I’m asking for help — not just for me, but for my son, whose needs are complex and whose safety must come first.

Every donation will go directly toward:

Legal fees to ensure we have a voice in court

Travel expenses required for court appearances

Any resources that help advocate for my son’s special needs and well-being

This isn’t just a custody case — it’s a fight to protect a vulnerable child whose truth deserves to be heard and upheld. I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I believe in the power of community, compassion, and justice. I believe my son has an army of people willing to fight for him and his future.

Please consider donating or sharing our story. Every contribution — no matter the amount — helps me fight to protect my son and ensure he grows up surrounded by safety, love, and respect for who he is.

With all my gratitude,

Jessica