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

This loan is being repaid!

First Posted: January 28, 2010

Name: Ish

Age: 5 years old

Location: California, USA

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $2,000 [Reduced from 4,200 on March 1, 2010]

Loan Needed For: Down payment on a used hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chamber.

Repayment Terms: 24 months ($83.33/month)

Other Notes: Ish's mom, Naima, writes, "Ish is an awesome little 5 year old. He's the youngest of my 4 children. His sense of humor shines through, penetrating the walls around him called Autism. He's in constant pain and still constantly wears a beautiful smile. His brave little heart is infectious and it keeps me fighting for his health even when the well's run dry.

Since Ish's diagnosis our family has suffered tremendously. My ex husband and I separated shortly after his diagnosis, 3 years ago. Since then this road to recovery has been quite rocky. We lost our home, I lost my business, and our older children lost out on a lot too. Autism rips everyone apart one by one beginning with the host, then spreading to his loved ones. Everyone's affected.

In August we traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida. Mark Fowler, chairman of Hyperbaric Center for Children granted Ish 30 hours of Oxygen. While in treatment, Ish spoke his first words ever. Sadly after exhausting all financial resources we returned to California. My little bit of work (as a hairstylist) is our only means of income. Not being able to work for 4 weeks caught up to us.

Oxygen therapy was the most encouraging part of our journey so far. Ish began playing with unfamiliar children for the first time ever, he spent many nights in my bed, eyes to eyes trying to communicate with me. He showed empathy to a stranger's baby that was crying (wanting to sing to it and kiss it). I got a glimpse at life without Autism.

He spoke his very first sentence in his life "Go downstairs, go downstairs now." He and I spent 10 minutes afterwards just laughing with excitement. That's when I realized he is as much, if not more, frustrated about not being able to express himself.

We've maintained the DAN [Defeat Autism Now] protocol by the grace of God (seriously). We're currently on Chelation (DMPS and EDTA suppositories). Within 4 months it will be time to finish his unfinished hyperbaric treatment. This time the full prescribed hours are NEEDED. I KNOW he will recover with Oxygen Therapy. This time we just need to bring the Chamber to us.

Ish is my Hero!

ADDED MARCH 1, 2010: Ish is desperately needing his Oxygen treatment, we've stopped all chelation due to imbalances and slight regression. $2,000 will ensure the delivery of the chamber to our home. I'm soooo very thankful for all of you. You encourage me to continue fighting for my son. Your notes/messages are read over and over, each time with tears of inspiration in my eyes.

Love and Faith, Naima"

References Provided By: Lisa F. and the office of Dr. Thomas Lin

Ish's Community of Lenders:

Joan: $25
Rachel (Julian's mom): $10 ["You are on the right path...Stay strong!"]
Tonya: $100 ["What a beautiful website. Thank you for linking communities to help incredible children!"]
Mbakondja: $30
Mary H.: $30 ["Hi Naima (I've been misspelling your name all this time? Sorry!) Thanks for giving me this opportunity to support you. I only wish I could give more. I think of you often and love you gazillions! Keep me posted on your progress."]
Tiffany (Sevyn's mom): $7 ["I love your story and your determination to heal your son. My 4 year old autistic son Sevyn has also made amazing progress with HBOT, diet, and working with his DAN! doctor~ I know how hard this is~ but our children can recover! I'll spread the word and do all I can to help you get your loan funded!"]
LaThena: $25 ["Speechless, keep up the great work!!!"]
Sabrina: $5
Petra: $10 ["Cinco de Linco"]
Jeanne: $10 ["Happy Cinco de Linco!"]
Megan: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Karen F: $5 ["Cinco de Linco"]
Helen: $25
Alida (Alano's mom): $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco Ish! May God bless you on your way to recovery!"]
Renee: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Dana C: $10 [Cinco de Linco]
Nicholas: $10 ["I don't have much, but I know for a fact I can give a little."]
Erika: $10 ["For Ish. God bless!"]
Stephne: $30 ["This is for my counsin Ish. Let"s go Ishy!!!"]
Liza: $25
Mbakondja: $10
Lawanda: $50
Dwandye: $25 ["Naima, I know this is a small amount. I will get Ish's story out there. I will give more once I am paid next week."]
The Turner Family: $100
Cousin DeeDee: $40 ["Ish you are the bravest lil dude I know! I hope and pray for your full and complete recovery."]
Ericka: $5
Grandma Gini: $10 ["Celebrates Ed Vogelsinger's 67th birthday! CHEERS!"]
David: $50
Nicholas (again): $10 ["I hope we can get enough money together! Love Ya!!!"]
Tyrone: $20
Mignon: $25
Mbakondja (again): $10
Margaret: $50 ["In honor of Bubba: Naima keep up the good work. Bubba was so proud of his daughter and son in-law for their fight to get Will healthy. He would be proud of your perserverence too and would be rooting for Ish and his recovery."]
Louise: $5
Mbakondja (again): $23
Barbara: $20
Lisa: $50 ["the love is flowing...let's do this !"]
Emma: $20 ["Good Luck and many blessings! Emma (one of Paolo's mom)"]
Karen B: $180
Suzanne: $200
Cynthia: $100
Grandma Gini (again): $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco from the Land of Lincoln!"]
Bonnie: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Karen F (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Jeanne & Charlie (again): $10 ["Re-loaned from Arthur's repaid loan; Happy Cinco de Linco!"]
Petra (again): $10 ["Happy Cinco de Linco"]
Jeanne (again): $15 ["Re-loaned from Karen & Megan's repaid loan; Happy Cinco de Linco!"]
Karen F (again): $5 ["Re-loaned from Arthur's repaid loan; Happy Cinco de Linco!"]
Joan: $25 [Cinco de Linco]
Kristina (Jordan's mom): $10 [Cinco de Linco]
Sheryl: $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco!"]
Karen T: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Helen: $10 ["I know every little bit helps so here is my help."]
Karen: $5 ["We might not have much but we have $5 to give to another Mother Warrior. God Bless! Karen, Gerald, Logan, Jordan and Rylan"]
Mignon: $20
Renee (again): $5 [Reloaned from repaid loans]
Sabrina: $20
Karen T (again): $5 [from Penny's Cinco de Linco matching challenge!]
Sharon: $100 [Re-loaned from Ethan & Alex's repaid loan.]
Dina: $25
Chelsea: $40 ["My dearest Naima, Although we dont talk as often, I want you to know that you and Ishy have always remained in our prayers. I think a lot of why my spirit is strengthened, is because of you. I admire the kind of mother you are, and always have been. Keep your faith Naima. You are a wonderful person and I love you and Ishy Poo!!!"]
Diana: $25 ["Hey Cousin, you are in my prayers and I will spread the word!"]
Kimberly: $20
Grandma Gini (again): $10 ["in memory of Tori's Grandpa Clay's March ll birthday"]
Elda: $200
Dana C: $30 ["Happy diving, Ish!"]

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

March 12, 2010: This loan has been funded!

March 12, 2010: Promissory note sent to Naima for signature.

March 12, 2010: Signed promissory note received.

March 15, 2010: Loan of $2,000 disbursed to HBOT chamber provider via check.

May 24, 2010: 1st repayment of $83.33 (due May 1) has been marked past-due.

May 24, 2010: 2nd repayment of $83.33 (due June 1) has been received, early.

June 1, 2010: Update from Naima: "I'm very sorry everyone, please forgive me for not giving an update sooner. I've been battling many wars (school district, home living situation) lately and trying really hard not to interrupt the consistency of Ish's Recovery Treatment. Ish has come so far since the last time I updated you. He's completed 20hrs [of hyperbaric oxygen therapy], half way to the 1st dose of hours prescribed. He loves school and is in love with his teacher Ms. J. and new teacher's aid Ms. M. He gives them both kisses and says "bye bye see you tomorrow." 5 words!!!! Ish counts to 20, says his ABC's. He was only at 1 word, possibly 2 before HBOT. He is now trying new textures of food, he's not bothered by smells anymore. No longer covers his ears when I turn the vacuum on. He smiles and makes eye contact 100 times more!! Anxiety is down and curiosity is up! He is becoming dangerously excited about new things, people and places. He's no longer predictable (I really have to watch him at all times). He's oozing with a creative itching to explore life, with his eyes wide open spirit! I'm loving this miracle in the making! Thank you everyone for helping Ish along on his Golden Road to Recovery!"

July 1, 2010: 3rd repayment of $83.33 (due July 1) received, on-time.

July 31, 2010: 4th repayment of $83.33 (due August 1) received, early.

September 1, 2010: 5th repayment of $83.33 (due September 1) received, on-time. An overpayment of $0.67 also was received, which will be applied toward the final installment due.

October 5, 2010: The 6th repayment of $83.33 (due October 1) has been marked past-due.

October 5, 2010: An email from Ish's mom, Naima, explains that they are in the middle of moving and she will make her next payment in November.

November 5, 2010: A partial repayment on the 7th installment (due November 1) has been made. This payment was made as a gift from one of Ish's lenders. The amount remaining due is now $43.33.

November 8, 2010: The remainder on the 7th installment (due November 1) has been received. This installment has been marked "late."

November 8, 2010: The 8th repayment of $83.33 (due December 1) has been received, early.

November 8, 2010: The 9th repayment of $83.33 (due January 1, 2011) has been received, early.

November 8, 2010: A partial payment on the 10th installment (due February 1) has been received. The payment was $40.01. The amount remaining due on February 1, 2011, is $43.32.

March 1, 2011: The 10th installment (due February 1) has been marked past-due. The remaining amount due on this installment is $40.01.

March 1, 2011: The 11th installment of $83.33 (due March 1) has been received, on-time.

February 11, 2012: The 12th installment of $83.33 (due April 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 13th installment of $83.33 (due May 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 14th installment of $83.33 (due June 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 15th installment of $83.33 (due July 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 16th installment of $83.33 (due August 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 17th installment of $83.33 (due September 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 18th installment of $83.33 (due October 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 19th installment of $83.33 (due November 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 20th installment of $83.33 (due December 1, 2011) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 21st installment of $83.33 (due January 1, 2012) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 22nd installment of $83.33 (due February 1, 2012) has been marked past-due.

February 11, 2012: The 23rd installment of $83.33 (due March 1, 2012) has been received, early. An overpayment of $0.67 also has been received and will be applied to the final installment due.

 February 11, 2012: One of Ish's lenders, Jeanne & Charlie, have requested that their loan amount ($35) not be repaid. This amount has been credited against the most overdue installment (Installment #1 due May 1, 2010).

April 18, 2012: The 24th and final installment of $83.33 (due April 1, 2012) has been received, late. An overpayment of $2.93 also was received, which will be applied to the most overdue installment (Installment #1 due May 1, 2010).