It is nice to meet you although I wish we were meeting under different circumstances.

My son is on the autism spectrum and he needs your help.

In addition to autism, he has some underlying medical issues that have led to lifelong struggles with diarrhea, pain, constipation, vomiting... undiagnomsed gastrointestinal issues. These issues, with his autism, have led to what many call severe behavioral issues. Without knowing what is going on we have often been left in tears as we watch him scream and act out. Frequently hurting us or himself. And come to find out... it is likely due to the pain and severe GI.

We have tried for years to get him help- from 3 GI doctors and several other specialists. While some things seemed to help temporarily it always seemed like it was just that- temporary.

Recently we were introduced to an autism GI specialist, Dr. Aurthur Krigsman. You can see his website here. Dr. Krigsman has seen hundreds of kids like my son. He was the first to put together the various, unexplainable GI issues we have seen since my son was a kid and tell us what is going on. And most importantly that there is something that can be done to help my son.

To continue with Dr. Krigsman we need to go to California for the final procedure to uncover the specifics of what is going on. And that is where I could really use your help.

I hope you don't mind but can I be vulnerable for a sec? I cried after hanging up with Dr. Krigsman for our first appointment. To hear that someone can really help my son and that he might be able to go without almost daily pain? Maybe we could go somewhere like a normal family without constant attention to a possible accident and the nearest exit sign? This was the first time someone had put the pieces of my son's GI issues together and the thought of getting some of our life back was elating... and then deflating.

After years of job losses and additional medical costs... I don't have the money to pay for this. If you are all able please donate, pray and/or share. Please help us get our son back. Please help us get our life back.

Many thanks, Gina Baker

PS: Here are the current details about the timeline and cost.

• Gastrointestinal specialist fee: $6,517.5 due on September 4, 2023

• Estimated facility, anesthesia, pathology fee: $6000 (due date unknown at this time but there will likely be some due Sept. 4)

• Estimated travel: $2500 (gas, 3 nights lodging)