When we received Harrison’s diagnosis, I remember feeling like my world was rocked. I remember asking myself, “What should we expect? How can we take care of a child with special needs?

I can honestly say that I was afraid, overwhelmed, and scared of the unknown path that was ahead for our family. Shortly after his diagnosis, a board member from UP21 reached out and visited us at home. We were given a welcome gift that included incredible resources for our family which was appreciated and so desperately needed!

After I found out Bennys diagnosis, I was so lost confused and angry. Talking to Angie helped me realize all those feelings were ok and it was ok to grieve. She told me that all those feelings were going to wash away when Benny got here.

UP21 has provided me with a sense of community, and an ongoing support system from others walking a similar path. It’s been a great comfort knowing that this organization is there for our families to reach out to with questions, needs, etc.

UP21 has been such a great resource for our family! We received a welcome basket from Up21 shortly after our Kira was born in the middle of the pandemic. Despite the quarantine, we had instant community through Up21.