Support Malakai Rodriguez

Malakai was born February 7, 2021 in Napoleon, Ohio. After he was born, we learned that he was missing his left ear and ear canal. Because of this issue, he would fail the hearing tests in that ear. He was released from the hospital, and we would begin our hearing aid journey later when he was six months old.

After multiple trips to the ENT and audiologist, Malakai was given a bone conduction hearing aid. We began working on using it and he tolerated it for short periods of time. Malakai began attending therapy sessions at a very young age; occupational therapy to help with his fine motor skills, physical therapy for his gross motor skills, primarily to help him learn to walk, and speech therapy to help him develop his communication skills.

He has made great progress and continues to say new words every day. However, as Malakai grew older it became apparent that he was still not meeting his developmental milestones. When Malakai was two years old, he received a diagnosis of Autism.

When it came time to enroll Malakai in preschool, I knew I had to find a school for him that would help him thrive in all aspects of his life. I began to research New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden as an alternative school for Malakai. I knew that Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy would be the best option for my child. Since the beginning of his time in school at NHA Malakai has thrived. We are thrilled at the academic, physical and behavioral development we have seen take place with him. It has helped his progress so much.

Summers are hard on children with Autism. They struggle with the long break away from school and the daily routine that helps them find success. With summer now approaching, I hope for him to attend the summer intervention program at Sara’s Garden, so he does not regress in any skills and continues to have his same routine. The summer intervention services at Sara’s Garden are only $40 per hour. However, since Malakai will receive 32 hours of intervention services that cost adds up quickly.

I would like to enroll Malakai in two day a week summer camp this year for intervention services, but we could really use your help. Therapy services through this summer program will cost $1,280.00. This month-long camp experience is tailored to Malakai’s needs and not only helps him to work towards increased independence, it also keeps the regression of skills that typically occurs over the summer months at bay.

If you could assist us with the cost (or even just part of the cost) of a single $40 hour of intervention services, it would help reduce our overall expenses greatly. 100% of the funds received go into an account in Malakai’s name and will be used for his treatments. Any contribution made would be considered a tax-deductible donation as Sara’s Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit facility. Checks can be made out to Sara’s Garden with Malakai’s name on a sheet of paper accompanying the check. Please do NOT write his name directly on the check. You can also donate online via credit card by clicking on the DONATE NOW button below.

Thank you for supporting Malakai and our family. We will never truly be able to thank you for this gift to our son.

Alexa Hall