AUTISTIC RESILIENCE NETWORK
Meet Anastazia
2022 Sue Milos Joy Program Recipient
Anastazia is 26 and autistic. She works full time, cares for her service dog, and volunteers helping match service dogs with people in need.
Anastazia dealt with years of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. “I was told I was too sensitive. I was called weird or different. It took me time to understand I was getting treated differently because others don’t really understand how my mind works.”
In addition, she needed costly dental care. “I never thought I would be able to get my teeth fixed because it’s very expensive. I’d been laid off and even after I was employed I just couldn’t see myself affording anything like that because I had so many bills I needed to catch up on."
Individual community members donated over $1,600 to her care. Anastazia went to the dentist for an exam. She returned to the dentist the next day to discuss the treatment plan and cost of care. The full cost of care was estimated at $15,000-$20,000. The $1,600 donated was a start, but not even close to enough to complete her care.
That's when something akin to a miracle occurred. Dr. Travis Adams of the Reno Dentist and Dr. Troy Savant of NV Oral Surgery offered to cover the excess themselves. They donated over $14,000 worth of dental care to ensure all of Anastazia's treatment needs were met.
The end result? Anastazia shares:
“I feel more confident about myself. There is no pain anymore. I can eat what I want. I go out in public more. I feel more secure in my job. It was so amazing. They saw someone and wanted to help. It had a huge impact on my life."
2023 Sue Milos Joy Program Recipients
Here are just some of the needs you met!
Health and Independence
Chris, a 41-year-old non-speaking man with autism, has been living in a group home since his mom's death.
Community contributions provided $1,550 of urgent dental care and a three-wheel bike that supports his indepence.
Mental Health
A 38-year old woman who had been caring for her extended family for many years needed help herself.
Community donations of $1,000 helped with medical bills from an intensive outpatient mental health program, as well as expenses for her emotional support animal.
Education
A single mom in rural Nevada drives her autistic son 60 miles a day to get him to and from school.
Community contributions provided $640 worth of gas to help ensure he can attend daily.
Financial Stability
A small business owner with multiple health conditions needed help growing her college admissions support company, allowing her to work from home while caring for her health.
Donations of $1,900 covered a cognitive coaching certification and a new website!