Kale is 16 years old, in 10th grade and disabled. Quick run down: Kale has Autism, ADHD, OCD, developmental delay, depression, anxiety, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), as well as very bad migraines.

After a long 6 year wait, 2024, Kale started receiving  ABA therapy in home 5 days a week, 2 days a week he also does virtual therapy ( CBT and Talk therapy via Bloom). Kale also goes once a month to MUSC for neurology, not to mention normal PCP appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. We have waited so long on these services, I wasn’t going to pass this chance up. The downside is a parent or guardian must be present for these sessions. Of course, that meant me staying home to get Kale all the treatment possible; in hopes that he can be more independent in life at some point.

Kale’s anxiety is to the point that he will not leave our home. Period. To make matters worse, he is terrified of bugs. If a fly gets in our house he goes straight to his room and shuts the door. Hence, it being beyond difficult to get him to in person appointments.

All of that said, I have an Associates Degree in Applied Science; majoring in Criminal Justice. I am perfectly capable of working. I am not a bum that does not want to work, or live off of the system. I have applied to every remote position possible; to no avail.

I am a single parent, and as of now do not receive child support though I have signed up. We are also waiting on Kale to get SSI. We have been working on this for years, hopefully it will come soon. So, we have zero income minus food stamps and Medicaid (which we are so grateful for). Our apartment is section 8, so rent is free.

Kale’s aunt Billie has been paying for all of the following: Kale’s school, school supplies, he is in desperate need of a new PC with Microsoft and a printer with ink for school, power bill (I do receive a $102.00 credit- our power is normally around $275, phones, WiFi for school, insurance, car payment (I am 3 months behind, this scares me to death) which is crucial for getting Kale to and from, lastly, household items like cleaner, soap, paper products, linens, shampoo etc. she too is a single parent.

Not to mention Kale has hit a growth spurt and is in desperate need of clothes and a pair of shoes. Kale is supposed to go next week and get customized orthotic inserts for his shoes, and his current shoes are too small. As this process is very expensive, he really needs new shoes, so that the orthotics will last.

I know that it is tough on everyone right now. Times are hard. However, I pray that everyone could donate something so that we are able to pay bills and get Kale the stuff that he needs.

Thank you so much for reading Kale’s story; please keep Kale, and our family in your prayers. Again, anything helps, and I will post all receipts.

Thank you so much!