Our family has always believed that love shows itself in the quietest moments — in patience, in understanding, and in fighting for the people who cannot always speak for themselves. Today, we are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for help for our beautiful nephew, Keo.

Keo is non-verbal autistic, and although he may not communicate with words, he communicates in so many other meaningful ways — through his smile, his laughter, his gentle nature, and the comfort he finds in the world around him.

He is deeply loved by every member of our family, and everything we do is centred around giving him the safest, happiest life possible.

Keo has PICA which is an eating disorder which means he craves and consumes non food items with no nutritional value.

Recently, our family received some deeply upsetting news after his blood tests when concerns were raised about Keo’s exposure to lead from him eating excessive amounts of soil/ mud due to his PICA.

Following medical testing, he will now be referred to specialists for further care and support, and we are doing everything we can as a family to make immediate changes that will improve his health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

One of the biggest concerns is the garden area at home. We are trying to remove the grass and create a safer, cleaner outdoor space where Keo can play and feel calm without the risks that currently exist. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the garden and making it safe is far beyond what my sister can manage alone, especially while preparing to move and navigate the overwhelming emotional and financial strain this situation has brought.

As a family, asking for help does not come easily to us. We have always tried to handle things privately and independently, but right now we are simply trying to do everything we can for a little boy who deserves the world.

Any donation, no matter how small, would go directly towards creating a safer outdoor environment for Keo and supporting the changes needed to protect his health. Even if you cannot donate, sharing this page would mean more than words can say.

Thank you for taking the time to read Keo’s story, for your kindness, and for helping us give this beautiful boy the safe and peaceful environment he deserves.