Joseph's Journey to Inclusion
Raven is a friend who I met through my husband and instantly it was clear how dedicated and hard working of mother she is. We hope you are able to take the time to read her story to see why my husband and I felt lead to started this GoFundMe for this amazing family.
BACK STORY
Hello! My name is Raven and I am a single mother of 3 beautiful children. My oldest, Joseph, was born with CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Through this diagnosis I have learned how blessings come in many shapes and sizes. I have also learned that navigating through insurance, financial support, and community resources can be challenging.
I am originally from Alpine Texas, which is where I learned the value of hard work. I later moved to Lubbock Texas with my mom and biggest supporter, Bobbie. She has always been a constant in my life and I truly don’t know where I would be without her by my side. I currently work at Chick-fil-A and one day I shared my story with a co-worker of mine. This sparked the journey of starting a GoFundMe me page for my son Joseph and achieving our family dream to have an adaptive van and stroller. I later visited an adaptive van facility and saw just how possible it is to get Joseph a van that will allow our family to be whole when traveling, whether that’s around the corner or to Morgans Wonder Land accessible theme park in San Antonio Texas!
MEET JOSEPH
Joseph, or Jo Jo as I call him, was born on May 26, 2004. He loves to watch football, listen to all kinds of music and of course his best friend is his amazing Grandmother Bobbie. Anything that spins or lights up pulls his attention instantly. The bright colors in Finding Nemo and the graceful voice of Snow White are two things that bring a smile to his face. He has a younger brother named Sabastian and sister named Madison, who loves to play and care for him.
FUNDRAISER DETAILS
Joseph is now 17 years old and no longer the little boy I always hoped he would stay. He is growing up and with that being said, I am no longer able to transfer him in and out of the car like I used to. His wheelchair also weighs 100 pounds and over years of constant lifting, my back is no longer what is used to be. Joseph often has to stay behind on family outings when we so desperately wish he was with us. Our current van does not allow all 3 kids in the car with Josephs wheelchair.
OUR GOAL is to pay off our current van, make necessary adaptations to accommodate Josephs chair and purchase a stroller so we can take Joseph to Morgans Wonder Land in San Antonio Texas with the family! This is only the start of a more INCLUSIVE life for Joseph and we hope each one of you will take part in this journey with us. Wether it is through a donation or through prayer, anything to help my family reach our goal is VERY appreciated.
FIANCIAL BREAKDOWN
1. 2016 Chrysler Town and Country Van Pay off: $10,360.26
2. Van Modifications: $20,000
3. Stroller: $2,500 - $3,000
We realize this is a large goal but we have large dreams! All of the support will be used to further reach Joseph’s journey to inclusion and allow our family to be whole.
