Anthony

“Anthony is kind and loving,” his grandmother, Felicia, says. He loves spending time with his family, fishing, playing sports, and video games.

But in first grade, Felicia and his teachers began to notice that Anthony was struggling in school. “He was struggling and not able to focus or sit for long periods of time to learn,” she shared.

Anthony had already received speech therapy and some school-based support, but his challenges continued. His grades were falling, and he struggled with impulsivity, restlessness, and self-control. He was also experiencing learning and language delays.

Because Anthony’s father had been diagnosed with ADHD, Felicia began to wonder if her grandson might have ADHD as well. But before he could receive support specifically for ADHD, he needed a medical diagnosis. The school could not provide the evaluation he needed, so Felicia arranged for a private assessment.

Then she learned that her insurance would not cover the cost.

For more than three years, Felicia has cared for Anthony and his siblings. The circumstances were unexpected, and caring for the children meant making a difficult sacrifice. “I had to give up my job, my income to be home with Anthony and his siblings since none were in school at the time,” she said.

She has not been able to return to work since. “Anthony has a grandfather who provides a home and everything the children need,” she says. “He is the only one that has income at the moment.”

With one income supporting the family and the added costs of custody and adoption, their resources were already stretched thin. When insurance denied coverage for the evaluation, Felicia felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

“It put me through a lot of stress knowing he needed to be tested but not knowing how I was going to pay for it.”

Then the clinic connected her with Gill Children’s Services.

Felicia completed an application and hoped for the best. Just five days later, she learned that Gill Children’s Services would cover the remaining balance of Anthony’s psychological evaluation.

The evaluation provided the answers the family had been searching for. Anthony was diagnosed with ADHD, allowing Felicia to take the next steps to support him. She worked with his medical team to begin medication and requested classroom accommodations. With a better understanding of his needs and new tools to help him learn, she felt prepared to help Anthony begin second grade with the support he needed.

The difference was noticeable within just a few weeks.

“Teachers have now told me they see a different kid. A kid who can actually sit and focus on what he is being taught.” A diagnosis opened the door to resources that can help Anthony succeed, giving his family both answers and a path forward.

Felicia knows there is still work ahead, but she is hopeful about what comes next. “We still have a road ahead of us, but I believe it will be a good school year.”

And to the donors who made this moment possible, she has a message of gratitude:

“You may never know the child whose life you helped change, but your kindness can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.”