Fund the Fight
Counsel is retained. The case is moving forward. What's left is the cost of getting through the courthouse door.
Why This Campaign Exists
Most families who lose a special education due process hearing stop there. Federal appeals are expensive, technical, and slow, and the great majority of parents never find an attorney willing to take one on.
This family found one. That is the hardest part, and it is done. But retaining counsel does not make an appeal free — and after spending nearly $140,000 of their own money over the past two years on private tuition and evaluations to get their child the reading instruction the district would not provide, this family has very little left to work with.
Every contribution goes toward the direct costs of putting this appeal in front of a federal judge.
Where the Money Goes
Contributions are directed to the costs of the federal appeal:
Attorney fees
Legal representation through the federal district court appeal — drafting and filing the complaint, briefing, and appearances.
The hearing record
Preparation, transcription, and certification of a five-volume administrative record and exhibits, which the federal court must receive and review.
Expert witnesses
Independent evaluation and expert testimony costs establishing the child's needs and the appropriateness of the program that worked.
Court and filing costs
Federal district court filing fees, service of process, and the administrative expenses of maintaining the action.
If funds exceed the legal costs
Any amount raised beyond what this appeal requires will be donated to the International Dyslexia Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports research, teacher training, and family resources for children with dyslexia nationwide.
Other Ways to Help
Not everyone can give. There are other things that matter just as much:
Share the campaign
Send the GoFundMe page to your network. Reach matters more than any single gift — most contributions come from people two or three shares removed from the family.
Tell other families
Parents facing the same fight often believe they are the only ones. Pass this case along to anyone navigating an IEP dispute or a reading disability diagnosis.
Support dyslexia research directly
If this particular case isn't where you want your money to go, the International Dyslexia Association accepts donations year-round.
Questions About the Campaign
Is my donation tax-deductible?
No. GoFundMe contributions to a personal legal fund are considered personal gifts and are generally not tax-deductible. Donations made directly to the International Dyslexia Association, a registered 501(c)(3), are a separate matter and may be deductible.
Why isn't the family named?
The child is a minor with a disability, and the litigation is ongoing. The family's identity, the districts involved, and all case-identifying details are kept confidential to protect the child's privacy.
What happens if the appeal is unsuccessful?
Costs already incurred are not refundable, which is true of any legal action. Any unspent funds would go to the International Dyslexia Association, as described above.
How do I get in touch?
All inquiries — including from media and from other families — go through the campaign page. Use the contact option on GoFundMe and the campaign organizers will respond.