About GVA Legacy

You might be wondering why The Legacy Financial has so passionately developed expertise in special needs planning. For Ethan Freishtat, CFP®, CHSNC®, this is not just a business model — it’s a lifelong mission. He was born with cerebral palsy. Growing up, he tended to ignore it, and did not consciously admit there was a problem until his twenties, when football made a reduction in mobility impossible to dismiss.

When his son, Dylan, was born, Dylan was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Ethan was then tested and learned that he too had HSP. In his thirties he noticed a continued decline in mobility — from walking independently, to a cane, to crutches. As mobility has diminished, he and his family have continued to make adjustments.

Fortunately, he has been able to live a fairly normal life, with a family willing to care for him, private school, and the chance to become his best self. He knows many families do not have that luxury — and that families want to provide for their disabled family members as best they can, regardless of their individual situations.

As an advisor to families with special needs, he understands the decisions you will have to make. GVA Legacy can be a sounding board and help you navigate these complexities. We will work with you to create a plan that is best for you, and continue to modify it as circumstances dictate.