Give Bacot Family a Wheelchair Accessible Life!

Dear Ones,

Although I have contributed to many “go fund me” campaigns through the years, this is the first time I have initiated one. The spirit of the Bacot family is magnificently kind and loving, and I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can, to support them as they face some profound challenges in the weeks and months to come.

Mitchell Bacot, age 40, amazing and beloved father of 6 children, (ages 17 months to 13 years), and husband to the incredibly gracious Jenamarie Bacot, has undergone some dramatic setbacks in his determination to carry on, in spite of the hardships caused by the effects of Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

NF2 is a genetic condition that affects 1 in 25,000 people. It causes tumors to grow along your nerves. Mitchell was diagnosed during his adolescence. The disease caused Mitchell’s Deafness when he was a teenager, which ultimately led him to finding and becoming forever connected with his Deaf Community. Since he was first diagnosed, Mitchell has had multiple brain surgeries, and has been able to maintain his independence, be involved with his church community, work full time as a mathematics teacher at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), and be an ever present, active father and husband.

Fast forward to January of 2021. Mitchell has undergone surgeries during the last 8 months that have been far less successful than he had hoped. He is now experiencing numbness from head to toe, and is struggling with severely limited mobility and dexterity. Mitchell has been engaging in intensive physical and occupational therapy, and remains resolved to recover as much as he possibly can. But it is unlikely that he can return soon to his teaching job at NTID. And rehabilitation, however it plays out, will be a long and arduous journey for Mitchell and his family.

Due to the harsh limitations of what Mitchell is currently able to do for himself, he cannot be left alone. And with the close knitted bonds of love and caring he shares with his wife and children, they do not want to leave him alone. They all want to continue to experience life in the world as fully as possible, as a family. Unfortunately, the vehicle they have is not large enough to accommodate Mitchell’s motorized wheelchair. And the wheelchair is too heavy to manually lift.

Several of the Bacot’s family of friends have suggested that they purchase a larger van, furnished with a lift, so the family can be together, for outings and errands and church, etcetera. With the uncertain status of Mitchell’s employment, the family finds itself with heavy financial strain, on top of everything else.

In conclusion, this Go Fund Me is for the Bacot Family to be able to purchase a mode of transportation that accommodates the wheelchair, and the 8 members of their household. They are also hoping to create an accessible bathroom for Mitchell, because his wheelchair cannot fit into their current bathroom. I can honestly say that I’ve never met a family more deserving of support and generosity from the wider community of friends, near and far. This family brings the most loving and kind spirit out into the world, and all of our spirits are enriched and heightened by their presence. So, please help if you can. No amount is too small. And please please share this post as widely as you possibly can.