I have a favor to ask you. But first, a story to tell. A story some of you know.

Nine years ago today, my nephew Aidan was born. My SIL was just 24 weeks pregnant.

Aidan was 1 pound, 5 oz at birth. No one at @MorMemHosp expected him to survive the day.

But he did.

He suffered a stroke. He was intubated. He was baptized. He had a feeding tube (for almost 2 years).

He stayed in the Morristown Memorial NICU for 9 months. Defying the odds, surgery after surgery, day after day.

My brother @BTJ76 teaches #SpecialEducation at a public school. His wife teaches down the hall. Once she had healed enough, she had to go back to work. So did he. They'd take turns sleeping in the NICU. They'd drag themselves in because they knew their "other" kids needed them.

And they had no other choices. They *have to* work. His medical bills and special needs *still* defy description. And they knew he was in the best possible hands while they had to be at school. The @MorMemHosp #NICU nurses and doctors are miracle workers.

After 262 days, he came home. They kept going, with the help of oxygen, feeding tubes, machines, nurses and docs. One hour at a time. And they made it.

Aidan is autistic. He has cerebral palsy. He is nonverbal.

And today, Aidan is nine.

Here's where you come in.

When schools closed in March, they began teaching remotely while caring for him. It was tough, and he lost ground, but they managed.

Last week, they reported back to school. Their students come on A/B weeks, but they're there every day.

But Aidan's special school is *also* doing A/B weeks. So every other week, they have no coverage. He can't go to a sitter. But: His trusted speech therapist is willing to take him.

It will cost $3,600 a month, out of pocket. For however long schools aren't operating normally.

My goal is to raise at least $7,200 to cover Aidan's therapy/care for September and October. God willing, his school will reopen full time after that.

If you are able, would you join me in sponsoring Aidan's therapy and care for the next couple of months? *Every bit helps.*

There's so much unseen, unknown pain around us right now. This is one tangible way to alleviate suffering, #onelifeatatime.

If you can help: Venmo is @ AidanJames or me, @ Shannon-Last. (DM me if PayPal is easier.)

And: Thank you. With all my heart. This child is so dear.

Please share this thread in your networks, especially with other parents who have special needs children or NICU babies! I am so grateful to each of you for your kindness.

Seems like many of you would prefer not to do Venmo or PayPal so I set this up as well, and will make sure anything raised goes to my brother and SIL.

Bless you all. https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-aidan-james?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Venmo will show up as Brian James (my brother)