Woman seeks help for autistic son

It took more than an hour for Karen Daley to walk from her home on Waltham Park Road to THE STAR office on North Street, Kingston. And although the rays of the sun stung her mercilessly, she was determined to make the journey as she seeks assistance for her disabled son.

Her 14-year-old son, Shane Daley, has not attended school for the past four years, as she is unable to find the cash needed to pay for his tuition.

"The autism affect him really bad, so he can't go to a regular school. He went to a special school when he was six because his father was working there, but he lost the job, and Shane was then thrown out of school. I lost my job after, and I have been having a really hard time. I heard about School of Hope, but I am unable to find the $5,000 that is needed for the assessment. I just want him to go back to school, but right now is me alone, and I just don't see a way out. I wanted to take him with me for the interview, but I didn't have any fare, and I know he couldn't manage to walk the journey," she said.

A distraught Daley claims that Shane's father was supportive for a while, but he is no longer in the picture.

"His father has abandoned us completely and told me that if he knew that Shane was that sick, he would hand him back to me from him born. He blames me for his sickness, and goes as far as saying that our son is not his, because no one in his family is 'retarded' or sick. It pains my heart to see him leave his son like that, but as long as I live, he will always be my baby. No matter how hard life gets, I will never forsake my son," she said.

To make matters worse, Daley said she is practically homeless, as she claims she was thrown out of the family home after a verbal altercation with relatives.

"It's a family yard and them turn me out and is not the first time them, do it. I only have a spot that I can put a house, but I can't find the money to build a room. Sometimes when my son see mi crying, him just come hug me up and dry my face. I really don't want to live like this. I would appreciate if someone can help me with a little work or give me some help so I can rise a little. I would really want a job, though, because this way I can be independent. I want my son to go to school. Please ,people, mi a beg likkle help for him," she pleaded.

Currently, Daley does not own a cell phone, but persons wishing to assist her may contact her cousin, Dale Smith, at 876-484-1874.