I shared this information on the GoFundMe page itself but I wanted to share it here as well. Additionally, I've provided a breakdown of everything as well. Please do not feel obligated to contribute, but if you can, and want to, please follow the link to and do so.
Visit the GoFundMe.
Recently, my kids and I were presented with an amazing to increase inclusion and give back. We were invited to Orlando, Florida by DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld. They are among the first in the country to become Autism certified and they asked if I would bring my family to visit and evaluate first-hand, their Autism specific accommodations.
This is a big deal for everyone in the Autism community because businesses are starting to step up and become Autism and sensory-friendly, in order to be as inclusive as possible.
First, a little bit about me and then I'll explain more about this opportunity we've been offered.
Visit the GoFundMe.
My name is Rob Gorski and I'm a full-time, work from home, single Dad, and caregiver to 3 amazing kids. All 3 of my kids are Autistic. We're also dealing with several rare health conditions that render my oldest son's health, fragile. I've devoted my life to raising awareness for and providing comfort to families like mine. I've been doing this for over a decade and I use my experience to help educate others, as well as provide insight and context to the many challenges Autism and Special Needs families face on a daily basis.
You can read more about me and my family at theautismdad.com.
The purpose of this trip is to experience the inclusive accommodations, that are designed specifically for the Autism community, provide honest feedback, document and then report our experience to my many readers, listeners, and followers. I will be also be hosting a podcast from the hotel, to help everyone better understand what it means to be Autism Certified and how that can impact families like mine. While we are down there, my kids and I will also be volunteering at Give Kids the World, in Kissimmee, just outside of Orlando. This is a place that kids with terminal or life-threatening conditions and their families (from all over the world) can go and forget about everything. For one week they don’t have to worry about anything and can just be a family and make memories. We spent a week there in 2017 when my oldest had his wish granted.
We want to give back to those who gave so much to us and support the families currently there as other families supported us. I'm also hosting a podcast there as well, to help raise awareness and call attention to the absolutely amazing things that Give Kids the World is doing for families across the globe. It would mean the world to us to be able to do this. I teach my kids that no matter how difficult our lives can get, we can always give back.
We will be there for a total of five days. The hotel is covering our physical stay for three of the five days, and some food is covered for those three days as well. The last two days are not covered, nor is travel and other expenses. The two extra days allow us to volunteer at Give Kids the World. My kids won’t fly so we will be making the 2,000-mile round-trip by car and unfortunately, that's more expensive.
Visit the GoFundMe
I wanted to breakdown everything and explain what the fund will used for. Please keep in mind that these numbers are not exact but rather a best estimate, and in some cases, a low estimate. Also, it's really important to understand that traveling with 3 Autistic kids is very challenging, and more expensive, especially when 1 of them has fragile health. I try to be prepared for anything but the unexpected can arise and I have to be able to deal with it.
The main categories here are: Food, Fuel, Hotel, Ancillary, Emergency, Car Rental and Boarding for our Dog
• Food ($800): We will be gone for 7 days. That’s 21 meals x 4 people. While some of the meals will be covered, for the first 3 nights at the hotel, I don’t know how much for sure and whether my kids will eat what’s there. My kids have many sensory issues, especially around food and I have a very difficult time feeding them at home as a result. $800 for food over 7 days averages to only $38/meal for my entire family (not per person), which is going to make it very tight but doable.
• Fuel ($450): This will depend on numerous factors but based on current prices, estimated fuel tank and mileage, I’m looking at roughly $60 to fill the tank. This is about a 2200 mile round trip. That would be roughly 7 tanks of gas in total. Roughly $450
• Hotel ($800): This is pretty straightforward. We will stop once on the way down, once on the way back and 2 days in Orlando that are not covered. That’s a total of 4 days at roughly $150 - $200/night.
• Ancillary & Emergency ($700): Ancillary and other unexpected expenses are things that we need for the trip as well as the unexpected expenses that can and often do arise when you’re a special needs family. $700
• Boarding for our Dog ($300): We have to board our dog for 10 days and that’s roughly $300
• Rental car ($500): This is necessary because our car is too small for a 40 hour, cross country road trip. We will also be driving through the mountains during the winter and if available AWD is important. Based on current prices, the cost of the rental for that time frame is roughly $450 - $500 in total.
Visit the GoFundMe
I know we are asking for a bit more than what is requested, but these are low estimates and we want to make sure we're as ready as possible for this journey. I totally understand is you're hesitant. Frankly, I'm can be skeptical of these things as well. I would encourage you to visit theautismdad.com and get to know us a little bit. I've been a respected public figure in the Autism community for over a decade.
I was invited to do something that I think can be very positive for the Autism community and my mission is to bring back valuable information to my readers, listeners, and followers, as well as give back to an amazing organization. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If you follow our journey, you know that I'm incredibly transparent about everything. I welcome your questions and appreciate your support. ☺
The goal is to have the funds ready by February 7, 2020. For safety and security, I won’t provide the exact dates but I will be posting updates along the way.
Visit the <strong class="text-zinc-900 font-semibold">GoFundMe</strong>
Again, you can learn more about our story by visiting:
Blog: theautismdad.com Twitter: twitter.com/theautismdad Facebook: facebook.com/robgorski78
