OURS SONS LIFE WITH ADHD
When three of your immediate family members have ADHD, the simple task of going to the grocery store becomes a major struggle. It's been a rough few years, filled with humiliation, doctors appointments, tears, family stress, sleepless nights and exhaustion. Our Son Sebastian (9) was diagnosed with ADHD and Global Delay Syndrome shortly after his fifth birthday. Soon after his medication regiment started, he developed a rare seizure disorder. We have come a long way from the days when we were publicly humiliated on account of his behavior, or purposely stayed home to avoid embarrassment, or having to deal with containing his meltdowns in public.
MORNING ROUTINE
In January 2016, our oldest son Osman Jr. (11 at that time) was also diagnosed with ADHD after we noticed him struggling with school attendance, completing work and anxiety. Thanks to the efforts of a social service coordinator at his school who identified ADHD as a possible cause for his behavior, we were able to get our children the help they so desperately needed.
Our Most recent Camping Trip
Today, we are beyond grateful for all the services we have received from the entire support team of mental health professionals, pediatricians, therapists, counselors and facilitators brought together by the Manitoba Child Disability Services, St. Amant, MATC (Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre) and Robertson School in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) which have empowered us by providing ongoing counselling, coping techniques, respite and much needed moral support. But not all children are so fortunate.
WHAT WE HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH
The main objective of Expedition Wanderlust is to provide a
platform from which we will share our story struggling with ADD/ADHD
and raise awareness throughout the continent about the most common
misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition by traveling
with our family of seven from Alaska to Argentina in a converted
school bus.
Our specific goals are:
-
Speaking engagements in the communities we will be visiting to share our story of struggle, coping and overcoming ADHD, depression and learning disabilities.
-
Volunteering opportunities with local Inclusion Programs and advocacy groups.
- Set up a sponsorship fund for children to attend a life skills program in Managua, Nicaragua. This sponsorship is possible through our fund raising efforts and thanks to the cooperation of “Verde Sonrisa” School in Nicaragua.
- Sharing our discoveries of the different situations, projects, and ideas we encounter on the ground with other families and communities through our social media platform.
Depending on the success of our trip, we hope to open a pilot life skills program in Nicaragua for people with learning disabilities. This will open the doors to volunteer opportunities for medical professional and specialist to donate their time and help diagnose and treat these individuals, at low or no cost, that desperately need treatment.
WHAT IS THE MONEY FOR?
The Expedition Wanderlust will depart on July 7, 2018 from Winnipeg, MB. and our goal is to raise $20,000 by November 4, 2017 to cover the following costs associated with our three year voyage.
1. Equipment purchase: $2000
2. Bus purchase: $5000
3. Bus maintenance: $4000
4. Bus conversion: $9000
Although we have
worked tirelessly as a family, we can only accomplish so much on our
own and we’re currently looking for supporters who would be willing to
help us make this dream a reality. Can we count on you to help?
HOW TO HELP?
1. Donate, anything helps.
2. Sharing our story and follow us on social media.
3. Learn more about ADHD/ADD.
4. Start the conversation with friends and families and get involved.
As a sign of gratitude for your generosity, we would like to offer you one of our promotional items listed on this page. Please email us your donation receipt along with a mailing address to expedition.wanderlust.travel@gmail.com and we will mail your "Thank You" gift to your home.
We thank you in advance for your support! Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to complete our project.
Regards,
The Garcia Family
Osman, Gaby, Mina, Osman Jr., Orianna, Sebastian and Olivia
Perks
- 5 ordered
- 95 remaining
Since a young age Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
- 0 ordered
- 300 remaining
Signature Soft T shirts.155 grams, 100% ring-spun cotton.
- 0 claimed
- 300 remaining
100% Cotton knit Polo shirt. Available for men and women in white, black and navy blue.
- 0 claimed
Dry blend adult full zip hooded sweatshirt approx. 315g/m², 50/50 cotton/polyester fleece. Air jet spun yarn creates a softer feel without pilling. Double needle stitching and athletic rib with Lycra. Pouch pockets and set-in sleeves.
- 0 claimed
Since a young age our daughter Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
- 0 claimed
School’s in session, and the Enzo Backpack has all the features you could want in a custom backpack. With two large main compartments – perfect for schoolbooks, gym clothes and electronics – plus an organizer compartment, we give this custom backpack an A+.
- 0 claimed
Since a young age Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
Highlights
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Meet the team
The Expedition Wanderlust - Help us get there! Leaderboard
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The more contributions you make or inspire, the higher you'll go and the more the campaign will benefit.
- 5 ordered
- 95 remaining
Since a young age Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
- 0 ordered
- 300 remaining
Signature Soft T shirts.155 grams, 100% ring-spun cotton.
- 0 claimed
- 300 remaining
100% Cotton knit Polo shirt. Available for men and women in white, black and navy blue.
- 0 claimed
Dry blend adult full zip hooded sweatshirt approx. 315g/m², 50/50 cotton/polyester fleece. Air jet spun yarn creates a softer feel without pilling. Double needle stitching and athletic rib with Lycra. Pouch pockets and set-in sleeves.
- 0 claimed
Since a young age our daughter Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
- 0 claimed
School’s in session, and the Enzo Backpack has all the features you could want in a custom backpack. With two large main compartments – perfect for schoolbooks, gym clothes and electronics – plus an organizer compartment, we give this custom backpack an A+.
- 0 claimed
Since a young age Orianna expressed an interest in painting and wildlife photography, and at 12 years old she is a very accomplished artist. All items in our collection are inspired by her designs.
