Our twenty-five year-old daughter, Emilee Rose Ning Dowell, was diagnosed in July 2003 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PPD-NOS), which, according to autism speaks.org, is “. . . one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that were folded into the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . . . in 2013.” Emilee is unable to live an independent adult life, and we received guardianship of her by the State of Illinois in April 2016. She is a delightful young lady, loves to sing, play piano, and read; but, unfortunately, she is associated with many of the behavioral challenges which ASD brings to her daily life. We have been approached by dear decades-long friends who have expressed a desire to donate toward her future needs (we, her parents, are retired and in our mid-sixties). We are filled with a profoundly thankful humility by this remarkably generous benefaction. We thank God for this endeavor, and are grateful that this contribution can be processed through GiveTaxFree.org, which our research indicated is the most reliable platform that allows others to donate and receive a tax deduction. Framing charitable gifts as tax-deductible by the Internal Revenue Service is the least we can do to express our deepest gratitude for your generosity. May God bless each of you for your remarkable compassion. We are reminded of those comforting words in Hebrews 6:10, “God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people” (Common English Bible).
