I'm raising funds for my 14-year-old son, Vinny. Vinny is autistic and nonverbal, and while he may not communicate with words, he has found a beautiful way to express himself through painting. After years of searching for the right support, Vinny now lives and attends a residential school far from our home in Illinois. Being separated from my son is incredibly difficult, but I keep doing everything I can to support his future. 
 
 
 Over the years, Vinny has created more than 30 original paintings. I am now working to prepare his first art exhibition so people can see what a child who does not speak can say through color, movement, and art. This fundraiser is not about selling his original paintings. It is about giving Vinny's art a voice and creating an opportunity for him to be seen for his abilities, not only his disability. 
 
 Donations will help cover:
<ul>
 <li>Framing his artwork</li>
 <li>Printing exhibition materials</li>
 <li>Transportation</li>
 <li>Display equipment</li>
 <li>Finding a space to show the collection</li>
</ul>Every donation, no matter the size, will help bring Vinny's first exhibition closer to reality. If you are not able to give, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much. You can also follow Vinny's art on Instagram at @vilniuspocius and visit www.vinnyssilentart.com. Thank you for believing in Vinny and in the powerful voice of his art.

Vinny's Silent Art Exhibition

I come to you now to ask for help for an incredible person who never asks for anything and is truly the best person I know. Those of you that know "Kesh," as we call him, will know that he is an athlete above all else.  He was (of course) at the gym, on Monday, Feb. 22 and began having serious symptoms. He went to the ER in Cary (Western Wake) where they initially couldn't figure out his symptoms. He had a major decline and ultimately ended up at Duke, having emergency surgery on Feb. 23. Kesh had suffered an aneurysm of his upper and lower aorta. They gave him very slim odds of surviving the surgery. In true Kesh fashion, he pulled through and exceeded the doctor's expectations. Kesh left the hospital on March 1 and is recovering at home. He now faces an estimated six months of recovery and appointments.  Kesh was unaware of any issues with his arteries, as most people are. His condition is genetic. This is the ultimate example of how you should cherish the people in your life and never take anything for granted. Anything can happen. We are so fortunate that he is here with us now and of course, that's what matters but our friend needs our help. In January of 2020, Kesh began working to establish his own HVAC business. Like many business owners, Kesh's ability to make income was severely hindered by COVID.  He had already depleted much of his savings and now faces the reality of  a health crisis as a business owner with no medical insurance.  Kesh has been treated at two hospitals and is facing many more months of appointments and rehabilitation. We are looking into options and what to expect as far as the final medical bills. We know for sure, at this time, that Kesh won't be able to work for at least the next six months. While we wait for a more clear picture of what we're dealing with as far as the medical portion, right now, my goal is for Kesh to be able to focus on resting and getting better and to still be able to keep up with his monthly bills and whatever he needs. Kesh is such an incredible person and friend and is loved by so many.  He's given so much to others, let's show him our love and support. <iframe media_type="0" media_id="1s14ZCxOSqw" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1s14ZCxOSqw/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>

Jura Juodyte

Jura Juodyte

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Vinny's Silent Art Exhibition

Help for Kestutis Maciulis's medical recovery

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