We finally landed in the beautiful state of Virginia, and I found a miraculous school that uses 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis for children with Autism. I held a fundraiser to get here, kayaking from the swamps of New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico, but we did it! Together, and surrounded by those that love and support us. Unfortunately, our local school district here in Virginia is fighting me on his placement at The Peninsula School even though his needs are above and beyond anything they offer. So, I am having to fundraise for the tuition of $50,000. per year, where he would receive Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy as a part of his daily curriculum. His feeding disorder has increased to a point where he is avoiding food altogether, and gagging at the food he is able to eat; only vanilla yogurt and spaghetti. He is now in ‘Failure to Thrive’ which affects his school participation, as well as everyday life. Imagine not being able to tolerate your food, nor be able to tell you why? We were referred to The Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD which adamantly said the only treatment that stands a chance of success is their 8 week intensive feeding program. It averages between $45,000 and $65,000 and my stay with him for the duration, which then impedes my ability to work and support us.
As I look over the years of fighting and struggling for him – I see the flashes of his smiles, the laughter swirling in my ears and the joy he has brought to not just my life, but everyone that we are surrounded by. He is my inspiration, and I will do anything to help him. After all, wouldn’t you if he were your child?
Goals
To keep that smile on Taylor’s face by being able to pay for Taylor’s tuition fees, medical bills, and Therapy, I am hoping you can donate with any size contribution so together, WE can help give Taylor the life he deserves.
If you are interested in donating money or time please visit the contribute page for more information.
kayaking for taylor
I’m Kim and the single mother of the most wonderful child in the universe. He greets me every day with his radiant smile and gives me million-dollar hugs. My son has Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with Autism. I watch him in awe and amazement as he negotiates the obstacles placed before him. I marvel at his endless determination. He gives freely and seeks nothing in return.
My situation is not unlike many other families. I am constantly trying to keep up with my son’s mounting expenses. So, I’ve decided to try and make a difference for Taylor and others just like him. My hope is to raise money and awareness to help children like Taylor receive the care and support they need to thrive.
I DID IT!! A very brave friend and I kayaked 40 miles from New Orleans, LA to Grand Isle, LA. I had never kayaked before but this was nothing like the challenges Taylor faces every day. My goal was to raise enough money that would help Taylor and others reach their potential.
We were eternally grateful for the donations received towards Taylor’s communication device and medical bills, as well as the portion that goes to Kennedy Kreiger for Autism research! The event was so well received, we decided to make it an annual event! We loved Louisiana and all of its’ amazing people!
I will be posting another event soon, and am hoping you all can help me decide what it will be! I still have a ways to go for Taylor’s medical bills and specialized school, and Kennedy Kreiger needs the donations for Autism research. What is next?! Motorcycle trip across country? Mountain biking the Appalachian Trail? Road bike across country? Suggestions please!! Another Kayak trip, and if so- where?!
If you are interested in donating money or time please visit the contribute page for more information. Every little bit helps.
Kim, I have been thinking about you a lot lately so this is very cool to hear about your trip!!
I will have to call you sometime soon, it has been way too long! I signed up for the blog so I will get all the news:) love the website – it is very nice looking!!
love you Marla
SO good to hear from you, always ! Hope to see you this summer! Kim & Taylor
Kim,
You are an inspiration to ALL! Love you & Taylor so much!
Love from California,
Andrew, Debby, Ashley & Skye
Debby, Love you for that! Thank you!!
Hoping to catch up soon!
Love and hugs, Kim & Taylor
Kim: This is shaping up quite nicely. The site is wonderful and very easy to navigate. Other sites would do well to emulate its workability . The writing is superb! Good luck with your upcoming adventure. You might want to consider a cattle prod or a tazer for any surprise visits from an unwanted alligator! (Just kiddin’)
Kim,
You are a fighter just as much as Taylor is. I have been blessed having you in my life my beautiful friend. May your story reach far and wide to many families and people that have been touched by your story.
Always here for you.
Love Gloria and Angel.
Gloria,
And we are equally as blessed to have you and Gloria Jr. in our lives! You have given me courage for 10 years now, and I dearly appreciate it.
Love you!
Kim & Taylor
I think what you are doing is wonderful ! I would give you a million bucks if I had it. On the day that I fina ly hit the lottery you and Taylor are on my list. My prayers are with you for a safe journey. I think this will really take off for you. Good luck and keep in touch. Give that beautiful little boy a big hug for me.
Thank you Jan! VERY sweet of you, and thank you for the kind thoughts. We’ll keep you in the loop as we paddle on! Big hug to you as well!
Love you,
Kim & Taylor
I am very proud to have a friend like you – big hug from Vienna. I love you and your adorable boy very much, Sylvia
Ahhh! MIss you Sylvia! And that great city!
Love to you as well from both Taylor and I. I am even more honored to have such an incredible friend in you. Big hug- and hope to see you this summer!!
Love, Kim & Taylor
Kim you rock, 40 miles is a challenging feat, but nothing like the challenges you’ve faced already. Excited that I’m able to watch this journey transpire on a daily basis. Can’t wait to be a part of the adventure in some way. Taylor is so lucky to have you!
Rex, does this mean you are going to run security detail and give those alligators the hasty decontamination if they get near us?! LOL! Caitlin S. has agreed to paddle with us! Wahooo! Should be a blast!
And thank you for the encouragement. I work with some pretty amazing people!
Kim & Taylor
KIM, When are making the Kayak trip
Hi Joe! May 29th! Started training 3 times per week and swimming with Taylor Saturday and Sundays. Looking forward to the paddle! Minus the mosquitoes, of course! :). Hope you are well. Miss the crew-
Only 40 miles? Did you consider starting in Cuba?
I give you a lot of credit for attempting something like this, particularly as you have never kayaked, don’t float all that well and have had an abiding fear of the ocean since the time you watched Jaws.
I hope you are beginning your trip at Pat O’Brien’s and are being escorted by a safety boat laden with shrimp etouffee and gumbo (if for no other reason than to offer the shark).
Seriously, take a safety boat.
Very inspiring. I wish lo lots of great good luck.
J.S.
Thank you J.S. Especially coming from you! I have been in NOLA less than 6 hours, and completed my first etoufee and dreamed of the drive-thru margarita stand. Where else but NOLA!
Coffee in hand- I will fight the gators with my paddle and toast you at Pat O’Brien’s on the way back to Houston Saturday!!
K.S.A.
Dear Kim,
I love your Mother and David so I am attaching myself to your log to find about you and Taylor.
Yes I will support, just don’t know enough about this adventure of yours yet , and to what degree you need help. I am looking forward to following your BLOG.
Best wishes, best of luck and lots of upcoming love,
from your total stranger friend,
Fay
Thank you very much for the support Fay! I replied to your personal e-mail. We have arrived in New Orleans (mom, Taylor and I) waiting for the trip! Very excited! Leaving in the kayak either Thursday morning or Friday! I’ll keep posting- so please check back!
Hugs from Taylor and I!
Here you go Fay! A little more of an update!
http://our.lynn.edu/alumni/news–events/alumni-news/alum-ne-alumnews-the-perfect-ying-and-yang
You Can Do It! You have been determined since you were a little girl! Love you, Mom
Hey Kim can you post a route map so we can follow your progress:)
loveyou
GO PADDLE!!
I was fortunate enough to get to know Kimberly, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity. The amount of strength, courage, and power that this woman possesses is incredible. Taylor is more than lucky to have a mother like her, and I wish her all the best in her adventures. Good juju will always be coming your way 🙂 Happy Kayaking!
Practical