The Ostrom Girls

Hello,

My name is Andrea. I am a Deaf widowed mom with 4 children. Their father was killed when I was still pregnant with our twins almost 2 years ago. Their father was the provider and working full time for the family while I am a stay-at-home mom to take care of our children. Now I am on disability and limited income.

My beloved SUV that we purchased together is falling apart and is barely holding on to our frequent long-distance trips to the medical clinic and hospitals. I am seeking to purchase a van so I can continue to get the best care for my children. I am unable to afford an auto loan for a new vehicle and I am not getting much down payment with our SUV for the trade-in.

My children are now 9, 2, 1 and 1. My 9 years old has severe ADHD and it is impacting her socially and is often isolated because of it. She also has a Sensory Processing Disorder where she struggles to regulate her emotions and energy. She struggles with food as well. She has a weekly appointment.

My two-year-old has it the worse. She had her first brain surgery at 3 months old for her craniosynostosis. Then just after her 2nd birthday, she had surgery on both of her eyes due to severe Strabismus and esotropia. We also found out she has Complex Chiari 1.5, which means her spine has some abnormalities (tethered spinal cord) and needs surgery this year. That is three surgeries for a child who is not even 3 years old yet. We must drive hours for ALL her medical appointments. We are unable to move right now to be closer to her medical providers therefore we need a van to attend all her appointments.

One of my twins may have autism. We are unable to do the testing until she is 2 years old but luckily, she is receiving weekly services. She is currently non-verbal and very reserved with Sensory Processing Disorder. She also has inward tibial torsion AND inward femoral torsion on BOTH of her legs, which is a MAJOR surgery that she will be needing in a few years, and this will also require us to drive long distances for her appointments as well.

The other twin is currently a healthy girl! Maybe a little daredevil but a healthy and supportive sister for her sisters with special needs.

I am looking to raise maybe 10- 12k to use with the trade-in for my SUV. Anything helps and Bless your heart for taking the time to read our story.