Forrest and I were in a hit-and-run accident that totaled our wheelchair-accessible van. Since then, we have been without wheelchair transportation. We are fundraising to replace his accessible vehicle with one that supports his everyday life, and the journey ahead. Every dollar raised will support the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible SUV.

Dear Community,

This is Alex writing on behalf of myself and my 8-year-old son, Forrest, who was born with no legs, one arm, and a spirit big enough to move mountains. I first shared our story when he was weeks old, and I had no idea what to expect.

I remember writing that it would take a village to raise this child. I had no idea how true that would become.

When our community organized a fundraiser after Forrest was born, it was the most beautiful outpour of love and generosity I'd ever experienced. We placed the funds in a Special Needs Trust to support Forrest’s disability needs.

That initial support made eight years of equipment, home modifications, adaptive athletics, and therapeutic play possible. With your help, we were able to purchase a manual wheelchair for rainy days, a portable power chair for day trips with friends, therapy benches for independence in the home, and much more (see the full list below, plus a home video to celebrate what's been possible thanks to you).

The most life-changing purchase we made from his trust was our wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Last April, Forrest and I were in a hit-and-run accident that totaled our wheelchair van. We were on our way to his horseback riding lesson when we were hit full speed from behind, by a driver that was unregistered and uninsured. He fled the scene. We haven’t had wheelchair transportation since then, and I’ve been carrying Forrest long ways while he’s been without access to his independence.

We are fundraising to replace his wheelchair-accessible vehicle – and to help me keep Forrest's spirit alive.

It is true that Forrest is thriving in so many ways. He swims on a competitive racing team with able-bodied peers, rides horses, skateboards, surfs, rocks the stage at open mics, aces his test scores, plays flag football, and generally defies expectations. (See videos below - he is such a fun kid).

It is also true that this year brought new challenges. The impact of the accident made this chapter particularly hard to navigate. Access and the ability to move freely is essential for him now.

It's time for Forrest to do what he was born to do – FLY!

Every dollar raised through this effort will support the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible SUV with a manual, rear-entry ramp, which is necessary for the two of us. Unlike a van, the converted SUV will provide the ground clearance necessary to traverse the road ahead.

For Forrest, this means freedom.

All funds raised through this effort will be deposited directly into Forrest’s Special Needs Trust, overseen by his grandfather. Any funds exceeding our goal will remain in the Trust, to support Forrest’s long-term needs. All donations are tax-deductible.

Many of you support us in ways beyond money. One of you had diapers delivered to my doorstep for the first two years. One of you hand-stitched a teddy bear with a body like Forrest’s, which he still sleeps with at night. Some of you laid the floors in our actual house. Every gift of heart has brought lasting love and hope to our home.

We are because you are. From the depths of my heart, I thank you for loving this child. Forrest has taught me something since the day he arrived: how to let a village be a village. Thank you for being mine.

In love and gratitude,

Alex

Big Victories we’re able to celebrate thanks to your gifts the first go-around:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Forrest featured in Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding video, "Walk on"

Forrest Swimming for the Southern Marlins Racing Team, Jan 2026

Forrest singing karaoke at Open Mic Night

#Forrest Seaman, Forrest Seaman, GFM Forrest Seaman