I am the mother of 4 children with various disabilities and delays. I survived a husband who was physically, mentally, sexually, emotionally and verbally abusive. Our family just moved here from the Florida in April. Finances are strained tight now and we are barely getting by.
My oldest son, Daniel is 19 although mentally he is only about 13. He has Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation, Anxiety, Depression, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder and Combined Type ADHD. He has hyper distended wrists, an extremely toed-in walk and slack muscle tone (hypotonia). He takes 2 medications for the psychiatric conditions and is in an Alternative High School. He receives Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies in school as well as Adaptive Phys Ed and Counseling.
My younger son, Damian (15) has Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, Aggression, Combined Type ADHD and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder. He takes 3 medications for his psychiatric conditions. He attends a special education program where he receives Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies as well as Adaptive Phys Ed and Counseling.
My older daughter, Dakota (12) has Aggression, Depression, Anxiety, Combined Type ADHD as well as a mild hearing impairment. She takes 3 medications for these conditions as well. She has had tubes placed in her ears to improve her hearing. She attends a Collaborative Team Teaching class and she receives Counseling in school.
My younger daughter, Amanda (10) has had delays in all aspects of her development since she was born. Her fine motor, gross motor, speech, social and educational skills have been significantly delayed. She attends a Collaborative Team Teaching class ( in a school for children with behavioral problems) where she receives Speech, Physical and Occupational therapies as well as Counseling. She was diagnosed with Combined Type ADHD, Aggression, Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and has been put on 3 medications.
My family also includes 3 "therapy" dogs (Chica, Buddy and Sassy). These dogs were rescues from FL, GA and NC and they are being trained to assit my children and I in their needs and in "crisis" situations. Chica will "retrieve" a child that falls and bring him/her to me. She will also bring tetephone to me, when needed. Buddy provides tactile stimulation and soothing reassurance to my children with Autism when they are having a "rough day". Sassy is our "newest" and her training is still a work in progress. We haven't quite figured out her "niche" yet.
I am unable to work as the children need me at home to supervise the distribution of morning, afternoon and evening medications as well as to schedule and attend various doctor appointments with them. Three of the four children receive SSI and the 4th child and myself are on Public Assistance. We receive $113 in Food Stamps. I do NOT receive any cash assistance from Public Assistance for myself and my 4th child.
We often have to go to food pantries to make up the difference in food for the month and any additional clothing the children need we usually get there. (Sometimes we are lucky enough to get the dogs' some food there too.)
I am doing the best that I can but it is a constant struggle and I myself am not well. I suffer from Migraines very badly and take medication daily to control them. I also take medication to sleep as I suffer from Insomnia and I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. I take medication for these as well.
My children are MY LIFE and there is NOTHING I wouldn't do for them! They have been very good this year in school and at home. They deserve SO much more than I can give them right now. I moved them away from everything they ever knew and everyone they loved. Now I need help to make their 1ST Christmas here a happy one for them.
I am NOT a lazy person and, since I cannot stay home all day, while the children are at school, I try (on my good days) to "give back" to others by assisting a social worker. I am an outreach worker for her clients who are in need of services outside the realm of her agency. I do this on a voluntary basis. However rewarding, this activity does not increase my income and so, I am coming to you for assistance.
I am asking for your assistance with food, toys or clothing for my children for the holidays. We would be so very grateful for anything we received.
My oldest son, Daniel Jr., is a size Men's 2XL in shirts and pants
(36 x 34 or 36) and a size 12 in shoes or sneakers.
My younger son, Damian, is a size 32 in pants (Men's L) and in shirts and a size 11.5 in shoes or sneakers.
My oldest daughter, Dakota, is a Girls size 14 or (S) in shirts and pants and a size 8.5 in shoes and sneakers.
My baby daughter, Amanda, is a size Girls 16 or (XL) in pants and Women's L in shirts and size 8.5 in shoes and sneakers.
As far as toys go, they don't have anything (since they had to leave almost everything back in FL when we moved) so they would love anything they received. They love arts and crafts sets, nature sets, hand held video games, barbie dolls, Fushigi ball, Lego blocks, and pretend play sets. They love Moon Sand, Aquadots, WWE Wrestlers, Yugioh, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock, educational PC games, kids DVD movies or kids CDs and coloring supplies.
They would love new blankets, quilts or sheets (Twin or Full size) for their rooms too since we came here with next to nothing. We could also use food gift certificates as well 9and maybe a little something for the dogs too. Anything at all would be great and REALLY appreciated!!!
Well, thanks for listening and thanks for your time and for reading this letter. May God Bless You and Yours this holiday season.
