I want to start by saying that I hate asking friends and family for money.  All of us have organizations and causes that are personally important to us.  Having a child with complex medical needs, I work with numerous groups that help my family thrive.  But, Keshet is the one that has changed my family’s world the most which is why I’m attempting to raise money for them. 

In 1982, a group of parents of children with disabilities sat around a table and started brainstorming ideas of how to allow their children to fit into the community.  Within a year, they had organized a Sunday School, and as the children got older, they saw there was need to create additional programming. By 1988, a short 6 years later, Keshet opened an elementary school, creating educational opportunities and support for many children with disabilities and special needs.  Today, Keshet has grown and built a community where people of all abilities learn, play, work and live together. Keshet provides programs in 4 areas—education, recreation, adult and residential —to meet the individual needs of people with disabilities.  This month, Keshet kicked off its FORWARD 2021 summer campaign, which is trying to raise $500,000, most of which comes when those of us who love Keshet ask our friends to make donations.

As many of you know, geneticists diagnosed Wesley with GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) when he was 4 years old.  GAND is a very rare syndrome (there are only about 250 cases known worldwide!) characterized, in part, by intellectual disability, low muscle tone, and limited vocabulary.  As a result, Wesley has faced many struggles throughout his life, including receiving his nutrition through a feeding tube, physical limitations (doctors didn’t think he’d ever walk), and limited vocabulary.  Despite these challenges, though, he is one of the happiest kids I know.  His drive and determination amazes people.  He changes lives and he is my hero.

While Wes has spent 11 years fighting to be his best through countless therapies and doctor appointments, I believe he wouldn’t be where he is without Keshet.  When my family moved to Chicago from Washington, DC in 2015, numerous people told me to contact Keshet for support.  I had no idea this organization would provide so much joy to Wesley—they truly are my family. 

Because of Keshet, Wesley gets to participate in activities that many typical children take for granted.  Through their buddy programs, Wes can play basketball, baseball, and bowling--activities that provide so much joy to him.  In addition, Wesley is able to attend summer camp with his peers because campers with developmental disabilities or other complex needs benefit from Keshet’s expertise in providing individualized accommodations, behavioral supports and one-on-one care.  Camp is his happy place—he can participate with his typical peers in all camp activities, such as swimming, tennis, cooking and art.  I will never forget taking Wes to the community pool a few years ago and a typical peer from camp running up to him to say hello to his new friend.  I knew, right then, that my son would be okay. My fears of my child being excluded because of his disability faded.

I’m extremely passionate about Keshet and I hope my friends and family take the time to make a gift and learn more about this incredible organization.  Please click the button below to help Wesley, and so many other individuals with disabilities.  Thank you and let’s all work together to move Keshet FORWARD!