You know how everyone hits you up for donations? School, Sports, Scouts, Dance, whatever it may be. Well, there's a likely chance our son Dominic won't be knocking on your door or sending you a lovely text/email message requesting a donation. Because that likely chance is that Dominic will never do or participate in any of these activities. 

Dominic is the most lovely boy you'd ever meet, sincerely. He's hard not to adore or love.  Dominic is 4yo, and was diagnosed at 2.5 as having non verbal ASD 3 (the most severe on the autism spectrum). While he is still non verbal, we've recently begun using an SGD (speech generating device) and now Dominic has a way to communicate. Dominic's level of Autism has transitioned to a more moderate level, ASD 2 even though he is still non verbal. This is because of the extensive therapies he receives. 

Dominic attends preschool at a great school in the Chicago Public School System, which is located close to home; and we are fortunate. Never did I realize that when we found our house we were literally centering ourselves in the best place for him. 

With all of this being said, Dominic currently requires 4 hours of therapy a week. 2 hours of Speech and 2 hours of Occupational Therapy. Dominic's costs of therapy run our family upwards of around $10,000 a year. These are essential therapies so Dominic can become more of a functional part of our society, and potentially gain some independence. These therapies will likely be on going for the majority his life, possibly into adulthood.

What we are asking is that every year, when we donate to your kids school fundraiser, sports, scouts, or dance fundraiser, maybe you can donate to Dominic's fundraiser to help him participate in his therapies. These therapies teach him how to socialize and communicate with others, some of the same fundamentals your child receives in being on a team. The difference is that Dominic's team consists of a large variety of clinically trained individuals. 

With Love and Gratitude,

Dominic 🧡