Our Shining Stars

Alyssa

Alyssa is a smart and witty 7-year-old, who is able to read well for her age. However, she has a lot of anxiety and has sensory and memory issues, and emotional detachment. She attended developmental preschool due to issues with her speech and is now attending AZACS with her big sister, Karissa.

Alysa’s mother, Asimo, has had great difficulties getting assistance for her two daughters. Both being “swept under the rug” by doctors who were able to see them. Asimo has attempted countless times over the past 4-5 years to get a proper diagnostic evaluation for Alysa and her sister, but has been met with canceled appointments or providers not taking her insurance.

There is a history of diagnosis of developmental delays in her family. First cousins on both parents' sides. Asimo believes having a diagnosis Is essential in getting the assistance required to help Alyssa, and her sister, succeed academically, emotionally and physically. Per Asimo, “Girls are often dismissed and I feel it’s important for them to get quality care.”

From Asimo:
This grant would give Alysa the same opportunities that other kids have in life by simply getting her the help she needs. My husband is the only one working and it’s hard making ends meet but we get by on food stamps and food banks. This grant would give her so much more and she deserves the same opportunities as other children.