Our son Marc, whom we adopted at 9-months old and is now 14, has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Along with that comes ADHD, bipolar, depression and being on the Autism Spectrum. His issues started right after kindergarten.
We have had to fight for him in the school system and to find community resources. He attended public school until his freshman year this year when we finally found Newton Learning Center (a school for kids on the spectrum). Middle school was a struggle. Covid hit and then trying to integrate back in person last year was tough. Marc lacks social skills that kiddos his age have control over. Kids can be cruel and Marc experienced severe bullying. This pushed him over the edge mentally and caused him to want to cause harm to himself. He was hospitalized for a span of 3 months.
Our family incurred a tremendous medical bill due to the facility he had to go to because of his disabilities being out of network. We were overwhelmed. One due to our baby boy suffering such a life experience and two financially, with 3 other children in our home. Our social worker told us about Give Hope Foundation. I thought, “we won’t qualify for sure.” I then got an email about an approval for funds towards Marc’s bill. I burst into tears and called my husband to tell him the news! Any little bit helps.
Marc is now happy and healthy, has friends, and is thriving. His new school has made all the difference. And Give Hope has given hope to our family with the help they extended to us. We are forever grateful.
Thank you,
Amber S. and Family