My story starts with a little fella named Damien. I came to know him when his mom abandoned him in the hospital my son had no idea how to care for him. So I stepped in and got full custody f him. Im his moma Nana. He's been fighting for life since he was born July 3rd 2020. I've been fighting with him. He has brain pvl, rare gen disorder that causes seizures and autism. October the 7th he ended up in ICU having a 8 hour long seizure the doctors had to use all kinds of medication to get the seizure controlled. In the middle of having a seizure he quit breathing and they had to put him on a ventilator. I was so scared I was loosing my little angel. He fought and I stayed by his side. 48 hours no sleep. That Monday God gave him back to me. He started breathing on his own and the doctors took him off the ventilator. We stayed in the hospital most of October. He's recovering slowly at home now. I quit my job to focus on his health and needs more. So of course it's a struggle financially. My car isn't safe to drive anymore. Now a days there's no one really out to help one another. I was looking through Facebook and came across this foundation and I sent an email. The email didn't say it went through or anything. So I said I tried. Then I got a call out no where getting ready to go back to the hospital that said we got your email and we would like to help you out for Christmas. I didn't know what to say but cry because I was thinking no one really cares about what we are going through. But these people did and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for taking the time out and saying we are here to help.. even though we still don't have a Christmas tree I'm able to get him something when I wasn't able too. Thank you so much to everyone in this foundation. My heart goes out to everyone that makes this foundation a blessing to the children that have disorders. He's my little angel.
Dear ASDF,
Thank you for your support and continued, We would not have been able to do all that we do without your help. The $5000 that you donated to the foundation was used for the following programs, Backpack Program, Thanksgiving meals for families in need, a family in crisis, supplies for our holiday party, and we purchased 15 bikes for children with autism for the holidays. Our families are so grateful for your generosity and support.
Bless you all,
Parker Autism Foundation
Wow I can't tell you what a blessing ASDF is to our families at Parker Autism Foundation. We just received eight I-Pads for our families and 40 gift cards for our holiday program. What a Blessing they are to us.
Not only have they done the above but they granted 12 families grants to attend our summer camp program Camp Dakota. Again cant tell you enough how wonderful they are. Please continue to donate so that we can help more families in need affected with autism.
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ASDF has changed the amount of families we are able to serve. Without their support we would not be able to help so many families. ASDF provides funding to our summer camp program, our Holiday Gift Giving Program and also provides I-pads to many of our families. ASDF and Michael are a blessing to us and to all of our families. We could not thank them enough for all they do. This organization is such a wonderful group and we are so grateful to have them as our partners in making a difference in families affected with autism. Thank you to all the supports of ASDF. Without your help ASDF would not be able to support our families and we in turn would not be able to help so many children.
As a volunteer with a non profit Theraputic Horseback Riding Program we have many riders with Autism Spectrum Disorder and I cannot describe the benefits of horseback riding for these children. They absolutely connect with these giant animals and their personalities shine. They develop a bond that enables them to mature and grow. We have one autistic rider who has even gone on to win 2 national championships! Such an accomplishment! This foundation has generously provided 4 of our riders with a full year riding scholarship! Without this organization, these riders would not be able to ride. What a difference this foundation has made to us, in being able to help these children, and to the familes who could not otherwise afford to bring their children. Thank you for your support!
Sandra Donaldson
Stirrups 'n Strides therapeutic Riding Center
Ocala, Fla
Review from Guidestar
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I am a Board Member representing a Theraputic Handicapped Horseback Riding Program in Central Florida called Stirrups'n Strides Theraputic Horseback Riding Program. We are a registered non-profit 501-3c program and we totally rely on donations to keep our organization going. This year the Autism Spectrum Foundation generously donated enough funds to sponsor 4 of our autistic riders for lessons for the entire season. Without their help these riders would not be able to ride. Our mission is to offer an opportunity for growth and mental and physical development. We hope that their fundraising efforts this year will again allow them to assist us. Please consider donating to this organization so that they may help us and other organizations assis those within the Autism Spectrum.
Review from Guidestar