The featured photo is of myself at 6-7yrs old, just one year before I didn't see my father again. We reconnected via Facebook Messenger, and are slowly realizing just how much we naturally have in common, and would love to be able to meet each other again in-person (by late August/early September) to continue where we left off 27yrs ago. He is now 63yrs of age, and I am 33yrs of age. I also have other estranged family members whom I have not seen in nearly a decade (including nieces and nephews).

Why a Private Driver Instead of a Bus or Train or Plane?
As an autistic individual, navigating public transportation isn't a matter of preference—it is a matter of crucial accessibility. To help understand why a private, state-to-state commute is necessary for this journey, I’ve broken down the sensory realities of this trip.

The Problem: Public transit presents an unpredictable barrage of intense sensory inputs like alarms, intercoms, machinery, yelling etc. that are dismissed by neurotypicals (non-autists) but require major (unseen) adjustments by autists that quickly causes exhaustion. Needing to safely stim or rock or experience a meltdown in a cramped space next to strangers that, if noticed, can lead to public scrutiny or even hostility to the point of security intervention due to misunderstandings. If I spend 15 hours navigating this intense stress, I will arrive completely depleted, non-verbal, or in a state of burnout.
The Solution:  A private chauffeur provides a controlled environment. It grants me the immediate dignity and safety to utilize my coping mechanisms or incremental rest without the anxiety of public disapproval. A private commute ensures I land in Wisconsin regulated, healthy, and genuinely capable of connecting with my father after 20 years apart. By investing in this chauffeur service, you aren't just paying for miles on a road; you are providing essential sensory protection so I can take the necessary final steps toward my family.

[ NOTE: My father does not have a license, and I do not know how to drive. ]

What Makes this Goal easy to Achieve in Three Months
Because we know every single dollar matters to you as much as it does to us, we are respectfully requesting a 3-month donation of just $13—less than the cost of one movie ticket or two coffee & donut combos—although a single, one-time gift of $39 suffices.

Where the Funds Go: A Transparent Breakdown
The base cost for a dedicated, state-to-state private driver is approximately $3,200. The total goal is set at $4,000 to ensure the trip is entirely safe, realistic, and fully covered. Traveling by road for 17 to 20 hours requires a few essential logistical buffers:

1. Driver Accommodations: A long-distance driver requires a safe, overnight hotel stay before making the return journey. There may also be road tolls and parking fees required during transit.

2. Travel Comfort & Nutrition: Sparing funds for essential meals, hydration, and roadside refreshments to maintain stamina and regulation during a grueling 10-hour drive.

3. Emergency Buffer: A small safety net for unexpected travel realities, such as severe traffic delays, route changes, or emergency vehicle stops.

By helping me reach the $4,000 goal, you are ensuring that both the driver and I can complete this cross-country trip safely, comfortably, and without logistical gaps. Though $3,200 is fully acceptable.

[ NOTE: Any remaining funds will be donated directly to the Autism Society of America. ]

How to Ensure Your Full Donation Reaches Me
For Public Donations: If you do not mind your name being visible to the general public, feel free to donate directly through the Give-a-Hand page here.

For Anonymous Donations: If you prefer complete digitally non-trackable privacy, you can round your gift up to $50 (or combine two $25 donations with a partner/family member/friend) to use the Silent Donor (SD) form--which has a $50 minimum requirement. This allows you to remain totally anonymous: https://www.silentdonor.com/donate-anonymously-to-crowdfunding-campaigns-today/ .

[ NOTE: A notification of your form submission and a confirmation of the site's receipt of your donation will both be emailed separately. Your contribution will appear on Give-a-Hand as belonging to “Stichting SD International” alongside an ambiguous, standard-protocol post that reads: “This donation was generously made by anonymous donors using the Silent Donor giving platform (www.silentdonor.com)!” The aforementioned emails are now verifiable below, and the aforementioned anonymous appearance to the public is now verifiable in the fundraiser's comment section as well. ]

Thank you so much for understanding my accessibility needs and supporting this journey.