Single Mom Of Autism Disabled Son Seeks Startup Business Grant Funding

by April Ragsdale
(Easley, SC, USA)

God's Gracious Gift - Zane

I'm a single mom of an autistic son. I'm looking for startup business grant funding to make autism-themed jewelry to supplement our income.

I am so blessed just to know my son Zane, but to have the honor of being his mother is the most amazing thing in this whole big world.

Zane is an 8-year-old little boy who has severe autism, along with dyspraxia, and is also hypoglycemic.

He is the sweetest most beautiful and precious little boy in the world. He is 8 but on a 3 year old level mentally, and he struggles every single day.

It breaks my heart, because he gets so frustrated with himself if he can't do something that other kids his age can.

He has been in therapy since he was 15 months old, and he has been receiving occupational therapy twice a week since he was 2.

He still can't write, use scissors, button buttons, undo zippers, or anything to do with his gross and fine motor skills. That's what he struggles the most with.

Medicaid decided how much therapy my son needs and took therapy away from him. Instead of twice a week they dropped it down to once, and honestly he needs more than twice a week.

I am in the appeals process with Medicaid, but was told that I am responsible for the payment of the additional therapy until after the hearing.

Medicaid also does not cover music therapy, which is amazing for children with autism

He has so many allergies to medications that I have to purchase homeopathic medicines for him.

He and I are both on disability and have so many bills and not enough money. He needs clothes for the fall and winter and shoes, just the bare necessities.

I started making handcrafted jewelry and taking it to the flea market. I intend for all the proceeds to go to him. I would love so much to start bringing in enough money to provide small grants and resources to other parents of children with autism.

I make autism necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets. I also make a lot of crystal and glass jewelry with no theme. I bedazzle sunglasses, where I actually design something on the lens.

Altogether I make necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, anklets, and design sunglasses. I can also customize anything for anyone.

I would love to have my own business and website where the point of purchasing actually has a meaning. I just can't afford all of the things that are needed to start a business and I want this for my son so much.

I'm looking for startup business grant funding to make autism-themed jewelry to supplement our income.

Autism is a fascinating disorder. Zane sees no prejudices, he never hurts anyone's feelings and he thinks that everyone is supposed to be happy like he is.

He amazes me, because he doesn't know that he is different and I never tell him he is different. If everyone in the world could see the world through my son's eyes, this world would be a better place and finally have peace.

He saved my life in so many ways. He is my hero. I promised him on the day he was born that I would do anything I had to do to take care of him and protect him.

I have fought so many battles between ABA therapy and Medicaid and other things, and I won those battles and I will continue to fight for my sweet boy until there is not another breath in my body.

He is my world and I love him more than life. I didn't expect to become disabled so young and I wouldn't wish this disability on anyone. There are so many things that he needs right now, and financially I cannot do it.

I can't stand on my feet long, or walk around a lot, but making jewelry to help my little boy get what he needs, I can do that.

I just want to help my son and eventually others. This would be a dream come true and an amazing opportunity for us. Maybe we wouldn't struggle anymore, who knows?

I have prayed for God to take his autism away. I've wished I could see the world through his eyes for one day, but I also thank God for him every day and want to do whatever I have to do to get the things he needs.

They say that God gives special children to special people, and I know that's true.

Medicaid doesn't know my son nor do they care about how severe his condition is. He's just another kid getting help from the government in their eyes, just like every other special needs child.

I want to raise money for my son with an autism jewelry business. I wouldn't be asking people to just donate; I would be asking them to purchase great quality jewelry for a great cause.

In short, I'm looking for startup business grant funding to get my jewelry making business off the ground.

I didn't know that when I named him Zane it means God's gracious gift, and he is a gift and an angel and I want this so much for him. Thank you and God bless you!