Rut is a spunky non-verbal and deaf six year old with Down syndrome, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. For #GivingTuesday on November 27th Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is raising money for her and her family. TMI will match every dollar donated up to $2,000. Rut has begun chemotherapy at Rady Children’s Hospital and is expected to undergo treatment for the next two years. Her family has a very modest income. Rut's father is a garbage collector and the sole provider for their family of four.
This diagnosis has been very difficult for the entire family. Rut's mother, Victoria, had a panic attack when she was watching Rut undergo chemotherapy for the first time. She believed she was having a heart attack and was rushed to the ER, but, thankfully, she is feeling better. Not only is the family under a great deal of emotional stress, they are also under financial stress.
“This is such a sweet and humble family, and Rut is such a lovely child! Words can’t describe how spunky and joyful Rut is,” said TMI Family Support Services Social Worker Sandy Gonzalez. “The family is devastated, but Rut keeps everyone around her laughing with her joyful sense of humor! She is such a doll!”
Your donation to TMI’s Julie Casey Fund for #GivingTuesday will assist Rut and her family with expenses during this very difficult time. All #GivingTuesday donations will go directly to Rut and her family. Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated!
Visit our Facebook page on #GivingTuesday November 27th to donate. In support of #GivingTuesday, Facebook is partnering with PayPal to match up to $7 million in donations made on Facebook to nonprofits that day. Matching will begin at 5am PST and Facebook will continue matching donations made up until the $7M match runs out. Please donate early for a chance to have your donation matched not only by TMI, but by Facebook.
Rut is a client with TMI’s Family Focused Supports program which is designed to keep families with a child or children who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities together by offering support and training for parents, extended family members and respite providers.
Please keep Rut in your thoughts and prayers. We thank you in advance!
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and those who are deaf and hard of hearing since 2000. Like all of us, our clients are born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties.