Harper is our sweet, joyful 8-year-old daughter who lives with multiple complex developmental, medical, and communication challenges. She has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3 with intellectual and language impairment, global developmental delay, severe sensory processing disorder, sleep disturbance, feeding difficulties, and a speech sound disorder. Developmentally, Harper functions between 1½ to 3½ years old across communication, social, adaptive, and daily living skills. She is nonverbal, requires 24/7 supervision, and needs full hands-on assistance for every part of her day — eating, toileting, dressing, bathing, safety, and communication.

Genetic testing through the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative also identified a de novo Variant of Uncertain Significance in the KDM5A gene — meaning the change occurred by chance and was not inherited. Although the variant does not provide a definitive diagnosis, KDM5A has been linked in emerging research to autism, global developmental delay, feeding issues, sleep challenges, learning differences, hypotonia, and other neurodevelopmental concerns. Because this area of genetics is still evolving, doctors cannot predict exactly how this variant may affect Harper long-term. This adds a level of uncertainty to her future and means her needs may continue to change as she grows.

Harper also recently lost her Medicaid waiver, which previously helped support many of the services and supports she relies on. Losing this coverage has created an unexpected gap in assistance during a time when her needs remain significant and constant.

Despite these challenges, Harper is the light of our lives. She is loving, funny, curious, and resilient. She just experiences the world in a way that requires full-time guidance, protection, and support.

Your kindness, prayers, and generosity mean more than we can put into words. Thank you for helping us continue providing the care, safety, and stability Harper depends on every single day.