01/09/2026
Help Autistic Twins Face Life-Saving Surgery After Losing Veteran Father
FUNDRAISING GOAL:
$50,000
Three years ago, 14-year-old twins Edward and Frederick watched their father die from cancer. Today, they're facing another devastating battle—and this time, their widowed mother needs your help to give them a fighting chance.
I'm Anne Marie Bogosian, a Nurse Practitioner in Family Psychiatry, and I am the aunt to Edward and Frederick and godmother to Frederick. I'm raising funds to help my sister Maureen get her autistic twin sons the urgent surgeries they desperately need.
Two Boys, Two Medical Emergencies
Edward's spine is collapsing. Diagnosed with severe, advanced scoliosis, his curve has progressed to the point where major spinal fusion surgery is now unavoidable. Without this surgery, his spine will continue to deform, eventually affecting his heart and lungs. The surgery requires hospitalization, metal rods and screws inserted into his spine, and months of painful recovery. For a 14-year-old boy with autism who relies on routine and predictability, this is terrifying.
Frederick walks in constant pain. Both feet are severely deformed with hammer toes that curl and twist with every step. His doctors say surgery is necessary to prevent permanent disability. But Frederick's autism is more severe than Edward's—he cannot care for himself independently, cannot communicate his needs clearly, and requires constant supervision.
While Edward is hospitalized for surgery, Frederick needs qualified caregiving at home. Maureen cannot be in two places at once, and Frederick's safety depends on having trained support while she's at the hospital with Edward.
A Father's Service, A Family's Sacrifice
Edward and Frederick's father, Artie, was a United States Army veteran who served during the Gulf War and Desert Storm. He deployed to the Middle East as a foot soldier and sergeant, living in brutal desert conditions for nine months exposed to the pit fires thought to be related to his cancer and death. After returning home, he continued serving as a New York City Sanitation Police Officer.
Almost three and a half years ago, Artie was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer—believed to be connected to burn pit exposure during his military service. He fought hard, but three years ago this January, he passed away, leaving Maureen widowed and the boys without their father.
Artie dedicated his life to protecting others. He gave his health—and ultimately his life—in service to this country. Now his sons need us to stand with them.
A Mother Doing the Impossible Alone
Maureen has been a full-time caregiver to Edward and Frederick their entire lives, managing their autism, ADHD, sleep disorders, developmental delays, and constant medical appointments. She cannot work outside the home because the boys' needs are too intensive.
Maureen comes from a family of service. Her father was a Navy Veteran and 36-year retired, now deceased NYC Police Officer—she understands dedication, sacrifice, and the weight of loss.
Artie was the family's sole provider. Since his death, there has been no second income, no safety net, and mounting expenses. Recently, Maureen was in a car accident that totaled her only personal vehicle—with no collision coverage, there was no insurance payout. She now relies on Artie's 2010 minivan, which is aging and increasingly unreliable. Every medical appointment brings the fear of breakdowns and additional costs.
With both boys now facing surgery, Maureen is doing everything she can—but she cannot do this alone.
Who Edward and Frederick Really Are
Beyond their diagnoses, Edward and Frederick are kind, sensitive boys who are deeply attached to each other and to the safety of their home. They are socially isolated and spend most of their time where they feel secure. They've already lost their father. They deserve relief from pain, dignity in their bodies, and the chance to heal.
How Your Donation Will Be Used
Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting Edward and Frederick's care:
$20,000 – Edward's spinal surgery, hospital stay, and recovery costs not covered by insurance
$6,000 – Frederick's foot surgery and medical expenses
$5,000 – Qualified caregivers for Frederick while Edward is hospitalized
$7,000 – Medications, co-pays, therapies, and urgent dental care for both boys
$6,000 – Vehicle repairs or replacement for reliable medical transportation
$6,000 – Household and living expenses so Maureen can focus on caregiving during recovery
If funds remain after urgent needs are met, they will be placed in a dedicated account for the boys' future education, vocational training, autism-friendly programs, and therapeutic activities.
I will provide regular updates and full transparency on how every dollar is spent.
A Message to the Military & First Responder Community
This fundraiser honors Artie's service as a U.S. Army Gulf War veteran and NYC Sanitation Police Officer. He gave his health—and his life—protecting others.
If you are a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or supporter of those who serve, we humbly ask you to stand with Edward and Frederick. This is an opportunity to honor a fallen brother-in-arms by caring for the children he left behind.
How You Can Help
Please donate today. Even $25 brings us closer to the surgeries Edward and Frederick need. No amount is too small.
If you cannot donate, please share this campaign—especially with veterans, first responders, autism families, and anyone who understands the weight of caring for medically complex children while grieving a spouse.
Your support honors Artie's memory and gives his boys a chance to live without pain.
Thank you for standing with Edward, Frederick, and Maureen during the most difficult chapter of their lives.
With deepest gratitude,
Anne Marie Bogosian
Nurse Practitioner in Family Psychiatry
Aunt and Godmother
Island Park, NY
