In the beginning of December, I decided that I was ready to give away Jumping Waves’ first scholarship.  Going through a struggle with the school/school district is enough stress on anyone’s plate.  To not be able to afford the help that your child so desperately needs is a stress that no one should have to face. I chatted with my advocate because I wanted her input.  Did she have any current clients that needed some financial help?  My advocate immediately told me about a single mom who had already used her services.  Her son was already in a better place because of Kristina’s help.  Fortunately Kristina had used a sliding scale and reduced her hourly rate.  Unfortunately her bill with Kristina was still pretty high.  I felt like this mom was the perfect recipient of my first scholarship, and I was hoping to provide a little relief before the holidays.  Here is this mom’s letter to me.  It will tug at your heart.  (I have edited to leave out names and identifying details)

Dear Jessica,

I am writing this letter in hopes that you will grant the scholarship for advocacy assistance. My  two boys and I are in a whirlwind of hard times right now. I am not sure where to start as there is so much to say. Let me start my explaining why I can not fund my sons legal advocate and the need for a legal advocate and then if you need more info please let me know as my number is at the bottom.

I am a single mother of two boys with an income of $525 a month which has been impossible to survive on, but by the grace of our God, He has provided each month. My oldest son, Chase, is the one with multiple needs that have been neglected by his  placements with the public school system being in the Phoenix area. Chase’s diagnosis consist of several…. Austism, ADHD, bipolar, sensory integration, and other health impairments such as reoccuring encephalitis, encephalothophy, headaches, high blood pressure, and a heart condition that will require surgery in due time. Without going into extreme detail, unless you need me to, Chase has been inappropriately  placed by being in ED (emotionally disturbed) since he was in KG and now currently in 5th grade. He was also even placed in an MIMR (Mild Mental Retardation) class by our district last year with a normal IQ. Then they decided to place him in high functioning Autism class that was NOT appropriate either as they would often (15 times) restrain him for no reason, locked him in time out room by having 3 staff members hold him in there (documented by the school district), withholding food for negative behaviors (also documented by the district), ignored his SLD (dylexia), also his Speech and OT, for over a year, denied compensatory services when brought to their attention, denied Chase PBSI (positive behavior support initiative), FAPE (free and public education), withholding him from gen ed when service minutes say otherwise, not following IEP or BIP (behavior intervention plan) (proof via documentation via emails and paper with the district and audio), and the list goes on. My son is on a 1st grade level with reading and core subjects. Chase has many learning needs and has not been treated right at all!

Kristina Blackledge has been nothing less than an angel and has helped me get Chase to a safe environment where he is actually thriving socially, academically and emotionally. He now has hope where he lacked it before. He has friends when he had none, he loves to get up and go to school where he would aggressively act out before because of the anxiety he faced with school and bullying of staff and peers. The school district is trying to pull him from a place of peace and happiness and I must fight for Chase and desperately need Kristina to help us as I cannot do this alone. If I was in front of you I would get on  my knees and you would see my tears and pain while I beg you that you please honor this grant as the fight is continuing. I am currently in great debt with her at this point and she will not be able to help if I cannot pay. She has been so patient and with my health ( I have surgery tomorrow btw) I have not been able to pay her much less rent, Christmas or any other needs for that matter. I have been pulled from work permanently and have filed for disability and will not know for possibly 3 months. I have a 2 year old, as well, who may also be on the spectrum. So between doctor appointments for Chase, myself and my other son, that alone enables  me to work. He is also a victim of sexual abuse and has therapy 3 days a week at the house with behavior coaching as well. Not to mention all the other doctors as Chase was a NICU baby too born with meningitis, 0 ApGAR score and strep b. So as you can see Chase’s needs not only consist of academics, but medical. His academic needs are going to be a life long struggle as well, and in order for him to get what he needs I cannot give up this fight for my son. I need help and I pray that you will grant this scholarship on behalf of my son Chase. I thank your for your time and consideration. You may also contact me on my cell phone for any further questions. (Anytime before 3 is perfect.)

Cindy

You guys, Chase is just one more example of why I’m doing this.  His story is heartbreaking, isn’t it?  I’m pretty sure if I found out that Emma was being restrained and being denied food, I would go ballistic.  This mom needs my help, and I wish I could have paid her whole bill.  I’m not good at asking for help, but I’m going to have to get better at it if I want Jumping Waves, Inc. to survive and thrive.  I need to find paths that will lead to the perfect people to help me spread the word.  To help me financially.  To help bring awareness.

This is what I ask of you.  If Chase’s story touched your heart like I did mine, please pass on this link to your friends and family.  That is one way you can help me spread awareness.  If each reader could pass this post on to 25 more people, the opportunity to find that perfect path will open up.  On behalf of Emma and Chase, will you please share this story?

If you are interested in helping out, I have a “Donate” button to the bottom left, as well as a link to my Etsy page.

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