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Family situation: 5 children; 3 with diagnosis; husband's chiropractic business failed; he's working in another state; public school program poor; "took my once verbal child and made him mute and withdrawn"; multiple other health problems; grandmother sent letter too, said mom works for the autism cause; sent other rec. letter from First Steps; income was $72k in 2006, but the stated current income is $48k
Granted: $2000 for tuition

Letter from family:

August 4, 2008

Dear ACT Today!

Our family was very excited to receive the grant from ACT Today! The money went toward our two sons' summer program. Nathan and Chase have multiple disabilities, which complicates their autism. They each require very specialized treatments and instructions. Which we all know, for the most part, aren't covered by insurance.

Our family of seven moved the summer of 2006 to be close to extended family, who are a wonderful support. But, unfortunately a failed business was to follow and our oldest son who had limited speech went completely mute in the public school system. Our savings were already drained from Nathan's first year of life, including a complicated birth, heart disease, needing to be on oxygen for 3 months and hernia surgery. Now our income was impacted by tuition, therapy costs, and Nathan's recovery from a hip disease and a diagnosis of Perventricular Leukomalacia (a type of brain damage). Not to be out done Chase was diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizure disorder, which did reunite sleep and our family. And sister, Samantha, who has delayed bone growth required orthodontic care, including braces, to keep from loosing her teeth.

We, as a family, made the choice not to purchase a home after our move so that the boys' financial needs would be met. The boys' grandparents postponed the sale of their home after purchasing a second so that our family could live comfortably during this time. We are currently living month to month depending on grants and scholarships to supplement the boy's education. The grant provided by ACT Today! not only helped pay their tuition this month it allowed me the time to put toward future fundraising efforts. Which is a gift I cherish.

While our financial situation sounds quite dreary it is only a moment in time. Our oldest child was diagnosed with autism at 30 months. Today she is indistinguishable from her peers. She plays the violin, acts, sings, is an honor student, plays the bugle in a drum and bugle corps, and is writing a fantasy fiction novel. We work every day to help our boys (and our girls) reach their fullest potential and find joy in small triumphs. Please know that the help you offered eased our burdens and lifted our spirits. To be reminded that there are those who, not out of necessity, but kindness have joined in helping our children living with autism means more to me than words can describe. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Elizabeth (Nathan and Chase's mom)

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