Make a Microloan for 5-yr old Julian's Health!

This loan has been fully repaid!

First Posted On: January 9, 2009

Name: Julian S.

Age: 5 years old

Diagnosis: Autism, Speech Delay

Loan Sought: $471

Loan Needed For: Initial consult ($380) + follow-up consult ($91) with DAN! doctor at The Autism Clinic in the UK.

Repayment Terms: 18 months (~ $26.17/month)

Other Notes: Julian's mom, Rachel, writes: "Julian is a very happy boy. He loves music! Right now he seems to be really interested in his new train set he got for Christmas. He is also a great big brother to our other son who is 1 ½. From the age of 8 months, we noticed he seemed to have a rash on his cheeks that wouldn’t go away. Well, it ended up getting worse -- so severe there were large red circles on each cheek that would ooze clear fluid. We were told he had severe eczema. We were referred to a specialist who also tested for food allergies. Julian has lots of food allergies and we must carry an Epi-Pen Jr. at all times with us in case of an anaphalactic attack. Julian, other than the eczema seemed to progress, however there were little signs that became apparent to us. He was speaking and would say numbers, make the sounds of animals, etc. Around 18 months of age we had already noticed his unusual spinning of toys, no more speech, and had to keep switching the ceiling fans on/off. Our concerns were voiced to our pediatrician who explained to us to be patient -- that he was still trying to put language together at that time and to wait a few more months. More time went by, and still no progress if anything he seemed to be consumed by spinning cars upside down and wouldn’t look our way when calling his name anymore. Slowly, our once seemingly healthy boy (other than his eczema) was slipping away. I remember being in the Dr.’s office at yet another well visit and explaining all that he had lost, etc. And when the word “autistic” was said I didn’t want to believe this was it. I mean here is my Julian, I thought maybe he’s just a genius and is just interested in finding out how things work? Maybe he just doesn’t like being around lots of people or kids he’d just rather play alone. I mean don’t kids play alone sometimes? Well, from that point on we started speech therapy and we did lots of research mainly online. He started an Early Childhood Program at the Elementary school right after his 3rd birthday. At that point, Julian was non-verbal and only would make sounds. He had limited/no eye contact. He started a full day at school and even started riding a bus to school. (Thankfully, his speech teacher was also the bus driver -- Small town in Texas.) From then on he’s been going to school from 8am-2:50pm daily, and afterward would have speech therapy 2-3 times a week. I started Julian on the GFCF [gluten-free casein-free] diet October of 2007, and he’s been on it to date. He did have bouts of vomiting/loose stools and would wake up lots during the nite at that point. He also had echolalia that was constant. I then started him on vitamins from Kirkman and extra Calcium Vitamins A & D. All of that slowly stopped. With the diet we’ve noticed a great amount of eye contact, language has come in, and more things continue. Shortly after the diet we researched a DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctor; however we couldn’t afford it financially. They weren’t covered by our insurance.

Julian was “officially” diagnosed in April of 2008 with Autism/speech delay. We had already known this before he was 2 yrs. of age. Some gains have been gradual and if you were someone on the outside not knowing Julian, it would look normal, but to us it was a "victory" to get to these milestones! We're focused on getting him on the road to recovery and getting him back. As his Mommy, I know there's more of him in there. I can see it in his eyes and we’d love to see him express the boy inside . . . Julian, whom we love with all our hearts!

We are an Air Force Family who just recently got stationed overseas. At the moment my husband is away in Afghanistan for the next 4 months. My goal is to get Julian to a DAN! Dr. here overseas to help us thru this journey to recovery. Thank you in advance for this opportunity and for all the support! We are very grateful! It's wonderful people out there who are willing to help a family in need of getting their child some help. Thank you."

Reference Provided By: Yolanda B. and Sandy F.

Julian's Community of Lenders [not updated real-time]:

Kristyn: $10
The Monegro Family: $50 ["Rachel, Your family are always in our prayers. Love You!"]
Sandra: $10
James: $100
Antonio: $50
Holly: $30
Cara: $10
Henry: $20
Petra: $10
Joanna: $40
Uncle Rick & the Bruce family: $50 ["Julian this is from your special friend "Uncle Rick and the Bruce family" We love you!"]
Michelle: $20
Karen: $5
Jeff: $11
Matt: $10
Corey: $11
Petra (again): $6
Carrie: $39

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

January 22, 2009: Julian's loan was fully funded!

January 23, 2009: Promissory note sent to Julian's mom for signature.

January 24, 2009: Signed promissory note received from Rachel.

January 24, 2009: Note from Julian's mom, Rachel: "Hello! I just wanted to take this time to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who loaned for Julian! We feel blessed! We are so excited to get him in now to see a DAN Dr. My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan and when I told him that our loan was fully funded he was very happy to hear this! He said, “Strangers that we don’t know loaned us money for Julian, that’s amazing”! We are now on the road to recovery and thank all who helped make this possible. We will keep everyone informed and updated when we go to his first appointment. Thanks again!! The Sanchez Family, RAF Lakenheath England"

February 4, 2009: Update from Rachel: "I just wanted to pass along that this Friday, 6 Feb, I will be having a Phone consult with DAN Dr. Jonathan Tommey from The Autism Clinic. I mailed him a 20 page questionnaire, along with copies of all Julian’s medical information . . . let me tell you that used up all my ink in my printer and I had to go buy more. But I sent out the packet and we are now on our way!!! Just wanted to give you a little update! I’ll email again after we speak!! Thanks again!!

February 6, 2009: First repayment of $26.16 received, nine days early.

February 7, 2009: Update from Rachel: "The consult was wonderful! I’m excited to start our treatment plan . . . he said he was starting the write up last nite, which is the detailed protocol and prescriptions for supplements/tests. I should receive it by this weekend via email. He’s very detailed and explained everything in plain English. :D Before we finished our 1 ½ phone consult I told him that the consultation was made possible by “Lend 4 Health” and I proceeded to tell him about it. He repeated it (I believe he wrote it down :D ) and proceeded to give me more information as far as grants that would be available to us now that we live in the U.K. After our conversation, I logged on to pass all this good information onto my husband. He was very excited and pleased at how much progress I’ve made with “getting the ball rolling” with all of this. Now all he wants to do is get home so that he can be here for us. I have no doubts this Dr. Tommey will help Julian. He also mentioned his son several times throughout the consult, he’s very passionate about his work. He also mentioned that Dr. Andrew Wakefield will be a speaker at an upcoming Autism Campaign and that he is close friend of his. He said he could introduce me. He went on to mention how many “mums” he speaks with, etc. I know I’m rambling a bit, but I came away feeling so “blessed” by coming across your site, and now speaking with a Dr. that will help us...I will continue to keep you posted! Thank you!! Rachel"

February 11, 2009: Second repayment of $26.16 (the March 2009 installment) received one month early.

February 11, 2009: Third repayment of $26.16 (the April 2009 installment) received two months early.

February 11, 2009: Fourth repayment of $26.16 (the May 2009 installment) received three months early.

February 11, 2009: Fifth repayment of $26.16 (the June 2009 installment) received four months early.

February 11, 2009: Sixth repayment of $26.16 (the July 2009 installment) received five months early.

February 11, 2009: Partial payment of seventh repayment received (the August 2009 installment). $19.20 of this installment has been paid. Remainder needed to fully repay the August 2009 installment is $6.96.

February 27, 2009: Remainder of August 2009 installment received.

February 27, 2009: Eighth repayment of $26.16 (the September 2009 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Ninth repayment of $26.16 (the October 2009 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Tenth repayment of $26.16 (the November 2009 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Eleventh repayment of $26.16 (the December 2009 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Twelfth repayment of $26.16 (the January 2010 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Thirteenth repayment of $26.16 (the February 2010 installment) received.

February 27, 2009: Partial repayment of fourteenth repayment (the March 2010 installment) received. Remaining amount due on this monthly payment is $15.08.

March 12, 2009: Remainder of the 14th payment (the March 2010 installment) received.

March 12, 2009: 15th repayment of $26.16 (the April 2010 installment) received.

March 12, 2009: 16th repayment of $26.16 (the May 2010 installment) received.

March 12, 2009: 17th repayment of $26.16 (the June 2010 installment) received.

March 12, 2009: 18th repayment of $26.16 (the July 2010 installment) received.

March 12, 2009: This loan has been fully repaid. This family is in good standing on Lend4Health and, therefore, is eligible to request a second loan if they ever wish to.

March 16, 2009: Note from Rachel: "I just wanted to take this time to thank all of our lenders who made it possible for us to get Julian into see Dr. Jonathan Tommey at The Autism Clinic here in the U.K. Your support means so much more than you know I’m sure. We are forever grateful!! So far we’ve done several lab tests, and are starting all our supplements with Julian within the next week. We just got results back today from his urinary porphyrin test. It shows the extremely high amounts of Mercury. Along with aluminum, lead, etc. I have a appointment tomorrow with Dr. Tommey to discuss results and treatment. We have a ways to go yet, but we will NEVER give up hope for recovery. We will continue to keep everyone posted on his progress. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts!! -- The Sanchez Family

April 11, 2009: Update from Rachel: "Hi Tori! I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated. But I wanted to send a quick note on where we are. We’ve gotten results back from all our lab work and are now implementing supplements. It’s been a challenging few weeks, but we’re finally at a point where Julian is much more accepting of them (as he gets reward afterwards) :D I’m very proud of Julian as he’s really been working hard at school as well with his speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. He had this past week off for spring break and we’ve just been enjoying our time off and getting our routine of supplements going. We’re also on countdown mode for Daddy to come home soon, so not much longer until the 11th of May! I hope you and your family are well, and Have a “Happy Easter”.

Thanks again Tori! Keep up with the wonderful job you’re doing with Lend4Health!!

Many thanks & Blessings always,
Rachel"

May 19, 2009: Great news! Julian's daddy is home from Afghanistan! Here are some photos and an update from Rachel: "We’re a happy family now! We’ve just been enjoying time together. He has off until the end of the month, so this is good. The boys are getting back into their routine of having their Daddy home! Julian is doing great so far on supplements/vitamins. I see lots of changes happening and all are good. My husband has seen changes physically in Julian too, like no more dark circles under the eyes, speech improvement with lots of new language and sentences he’s using on his own, and he’s so much more social. Really too many things to list in the 4 months he was away, so it’s been good!"





August 14, 2009: Update from Rachel: "We got an approval to go back stateside and will be stationed at Nellis AFB, Nevada (Vegas)! So LOTS more resources and services! We'll be in S. California by the end of Sept. so lots going on right now!! Julian will be starting ABA once we get there!!!! YAY!!! =)"

February 25, 2010: Update from Rachel: "We have now started ABA [Applied Behavior Analysis] for Julian and are pursing HBOT [hyperbaric oxygen therapy] in a few weeks!! We are excited...I'm investing in a new video camera to record our adventures! :D"