A letter from Tatiana about Gabriel and Project iAm

From the day Gabriel was diagnosed until the day our family moved away from the Toledo area, Project iAm was one of his greatest sources of financial support. For eight years, they provided steady assistance with a straightforward application process and  incredibly fast turnaround times. Their fundraising events, especially Acoustics for Autism, have always been always fun, uplifting gatherings that celebrate the autism community and bring families together. The unique combination of professionalism, dedication, and genuine joy that I experienced at Project iAm is something I believe is unmatched anywhere in the country.

Project iAm made it possible for Gabriel to receive therapies that would otherwise have been beyond our family’s financial reach, including hippotherapy and private in-home occupational therapy. They enabled him to attend a special needs school that we would not have been able to afford on our own. They helped create a supportive home environment by providing sensory equipment such as a ball pit and a trampoline. When traditional music lessons were not a good fit, they awarded him a digital piano so he could continue exploring music at home in a way that suited his needs. They also provided him with a mountain bike, allowing him to stay physically active and enjoy social interaction, since team sports are not a realistic option for him.

As our family’s plans take us away from the Toledo area, one of the things we will miss most is the amazing people behind Project iAm. Yet, in many ways, we are not truly leaving them behind. The impact they had on Gabriel during his formative years will continue to benefit him for the rest of his life. Their generosity gave him access to therapies and services that shaped his development, helping build the foundation that will carry him forward for years to come.

In the end, Project iAm did not simply provide financial assistance—they gave me hope as a mother and allowed me to explore countless opportunities and discover the ones that helped Gabriel thrive. Their support turned uncertainty into possibility, and that is a gift that will stay with us forever. No matter where life takes us, Project iAm will always be part of Gabriel’s story, and we hope to honor that gift by paying it forward and supporting other autism families in our new community.