Donor Letter from Hope's school

Matt, Karstyn, Hope, and Alanna Traylor Christmas 2009


Dear Potential Donor:
Brilliant Minds is a nonprofit organization founded to lead the struggle against the effects of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism, ADHD and Down syndrome. We implement the practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)/Verbal Behavior, which scientifically is the most empirically validated, evidence based treatment known today. ABA is the science to understanding and improvement of human behavior, which focuses on objectively defining observable behaviors of social significance (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 1987). The extensive use of applying behavioral techniques in teaching children with Autism (and related disabilities) to communicate has shown significant results. There are over 550 studies published in scientific journals validating the effectiveness of ABA procedures with persons who have autism and related disabilities. Many children have made tremendous progress ... some starting therapy with no vocal language and being able to engage in full conversations nine months later! Some have even been identified as “indistinguishable” from their typical peers. There are many beautiful success stories too numerous to mention.
Brilliant Minds is a premiere agency, in which Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) develop the most effective language-based programs, as well as behavior reduction programs. Children with Autism do not develop like their typical peers, who are able to learn naturally from their environment. In our programs, children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are taught how to communicate, play, socialize, and function . . . and this is achieved through implementation of precise behavioral techniques, in which a highly trained behavior therapist utilizes specific prompting, fading, and reinforcement contingencies. We utilize the learning environment by teaching through motivation.
Such great news to share . . . but this is where your gracious assistance is extremely needed. Very few (if any in some states) provide insurance coverage for this type of intervention. It’s in our hearts at Brilliant Minds to not only help the children who come from families who can financially afford it . . . but to reach out to all of those “other” kids who are not given the chance of effective intervention because of their financial situation.
If you are a parent of a child who was typically developing, I’m sure you can only imagine what it is like to struggle everyday with a child who needs to be taught every skill through intense one-on-one teaching. Some families do not even know what it feels like to be able to verbally communicate with their child. An innocent child, who is struggling with a serious disability, deserves to have the same chance as other kids.
If you are looking to donate towards a charity, Brilliant Minds whole-heartedly encourages you to sponsor a child for therapy so that he/she can receive the valuable opportunity of being able to function and communicate in their precious life.
We are truly honored and graciously thankful to all of our sponsors. If you would like to become a sponsor for a child (whether it is someone you know or not) please contact us at (850) 837-1200. Since we are a non-profit group (501 C3), this is considered a “charitable donation,” which means it is tax deductible. Brilliant Minds humbly thanks you in advance for your superior, humane act of kindness.
Sincerely,
Gina M. Ballone, MS, BCBA Ana E. Leurinda M.D., FAAFP
Clinical Director Medical Director
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Board Certified Family Physician
Our clinic is located at:
36468 Emerald Coast Parkway
Suite 2101
Destin, Florida 32541 (850) 837-1200
www.brilliantminds.org

Donations to Hope Traylor’s Therapy can be sent to:
Brilliant Minds
c/o Hope Traylor
11 Lake Front Drive
Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Receipts will be mailed back to you for tax purposes. Thank you for your contributions and prayers. Hope's Therapy is $420.00 a week. Medical insurance will not cover ABA Therapy unless you are on Tr-care which is a US Military insurance. We know that our God will provide what is best for Hope and we Praise Him for the miracles He is showing us with Hope. She began this therapy about 6 weeks ago and has learned so very much. Thank you Jesus.

Hope Update

Alanna and Matt have been actively seeking out medical help for our granddaughter Hope. I am copying a letter that she has sent out to some friends to hopefully help those who do know Hope learn what is and has been going on with her. Hope goes to speech twice a week occupational therapy once a week and ABA therapy 3 days a week for a total of 7 hours of ABA. Hope is continuing to show improvement and we are very encouraged. We hope to do a fundraiser/awareness walk for her sometimes in March. Hope's sister Karstyn will be 1 year old on March 11 and is quite the trooper attending these sessions with Hope and family, Karstyn is a happy camper who, like Hope is a very loving child.

To check out the place where Hope receives her ABA therapy you can click on:

http://www.brilliantminds.org/

From Alanna:

Our daughter, Hope Elisabeth, turned 2 on October 10. She has been involved in the Early Steps program since the end of October. At that time her speech and language skills were rated as that of a 6-9 month old. Early Steps provides Hope with speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy once a week. With these programs we began seeing a slow progression with Hope.

We have taken her to see several neurologists and have appointments scheduled for her gastrointestinal issues. Hope's initial diagnosis was developmental and speech delayed. It has been determined that she has several “red flags” for autism but due to her age her current diagnosis is encepathy, which means a condition of the brain.

Hope began applied behavioral therapy at Brilliant Minds on January 4, 2010. Hope has responded well and is progressing very quickly. With ABA therapy her verbal skills are progressing quicker than I ever thought possible. Prior to ABA she would become easily frustrated because she wanted to communicate and could not. Her frustration level has decreased quite substantially as she is beginning to be able to communicate. I am so proud of my daughter. She inspires me everyday. She has to work so much harder than most children her age yet she willingly does it.


Since these sorts of conditions are usually considered mental and not medical it is difficult to get support from health insurance for ABA therapy. We currently pay $60 hr and Hope attends 7 hours a week. We are in the appeals process with our insurance company trying to see if they can provide us with any kind of support but in the meantime all expenses are out of pocket. Brilliant Minds does allow child sponsorship. They are set up as a non profit organization and sponsorship funds are considered a chartiable contribution for tax purposes. Any money designated for Hope goes 100% towards Hope's therapy.

We are trusting God to provide for our family whether it be through our own finances or sponsorship. We know that God is healing our daughter and it is truly a miracle to see Him at work in her life. God is going to use Hope in a mighty and powerful way.

I have attached the Brilliant Minds sponsorship letter as well as a picture of our family. Please don't feel obligated for a financial donation, but we would like to ask you to join us in prayer for Hope.

I would ask for you to pray for:

Our darling Hope and her family
Mrs. Iris Murray and family in the loss of Mr. Elmer
Doyle Ussery - spot on his bladder
Cyndy Bennett - Mobile Al - diabetic complications
Tiffany Thomas' family 2 yrs after her passing
Everyone involved in Mardi Gras - even if it is driving down the road