About SeaKing Asylum

It all began with a simple discovery: Parker, our 11-year-old son with autism, found his true happiness on the water. From the moment he set foot on a boat, there was an unmistakable change in him—a sense of calm, peace, and joy that we had never seen before. His smile, often elusive on land, became a constant companion at sea. Intrigued and deeply moved by this transformation, we began to wonder if other children with autism could experience the same positive effects from being on the water.

 

Driven by this idea, we embarked on an in-depth meta-study, analyzing data and gathering statistics from various sources to understand the potential therapeutic benefits of sailing for children with autism. Our research confirmed what we had experienced with Parker: nearly 74% of children on the spectrum showed significant improvements in calmness, emotional regulation, and social interaction when exposed to maritime environments. This research only solidified our resolve to bring the benefits of sailing to more families.

 

With a clear mission in mind, we made the bold decision to sell our home to fund the launch of SeaKing Asylum. We poured everything into this venture, knowing that we had found a path to help not only our son but also countless other children and families. After a lot of searching, we found and purchased a 1973 Moody Carbineer 44, a sturdy and seaworthy sailboat, which we named Mahalkita—meaning “I love you” in Filipino. It was the perfect vessel for our mission: large enough for therapy sessions and activities, while also providing a safe and comfortable environment for our family.

 

In our journey to bring Mahalkita from La Romana, Dominican Republic, to Fort Lauderdale, we faced our first real test. As we sailed into the open waters, a fierce storm swept in, churning the sea into 30-45 foot waves. We were caught off guard, struggling against the elements to keep our boat afloat and our crew safe. We made it through, battered but not beaten. It was a harrowing experience, but it reinforced our belief in the strength and resilience of both our mission and the boat we had chosen.

 

Despite the challenges, we pressed on, leaving Mahalkita safely docked in Matthew Town, Bahamas, to wait for the next weather window. However, tragedy struck two weeks later when another storm swept into the marina. This time, the waves crashed past the breakwater, pounding the dock where our beloved Mahalkita was moored. Despite the valiant efforts of the Bahamian Navy and customs officers who attempted to secure new lines, a piling broke, leaving our boat vulnerable. Mahalkita was violently pushed against the rocks, her hull breached. She began taking on water, and despite all efforts, she sank.

 

In the aftermath, we were devastated. We had lost our home, our dream, and the vessel that we had hoped would change the lives of so many children. Adding insult to injury, we discovered that our insurance provider, which had a Florida address, was actually based in Costa Rica, making it impossible to pursue a claim. We had been scammed, left without any financial recourse to salvage or replace the boat.

 

Now, with everything lost, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Our mission remains as crucial as ever, fueled by the knowledge that sailing can provide a transformative experience for children with autism. But to continue this work, we need a new boat and the support of those who believe in the power of hope, the sea, and the difference one family can make for so many others. This is where we need your help to raise the funds and revive our dream to bring calm and joy to children like Parker, one wave at a time.