JuJu's Van-ture: Detroit Lions "POTY" winner needs our help

Hi everyone, my name is Brandyn Matte, and I am writing today with a heartfelt request for my community's support on behalf of a remarkable young man named Jermiah Millard "JuJu". 

I am an employee at Flushing Community Schools, and it is my privilege to work alongside this incredible student. Jermiah is a sports fanatic. His dream is to one day coach the Detroit Lions or the Detroit Pistons, and he just completed his first season as manager for his middle school basketball teams. Jermiah has cerebral palsy and is a quadriplegic, which means his only way of moving independently is with a powered wheelchair. He lives with his grandparents. Recently the family was involved an accident that resulted in broken bones, surgery, a damaged wheelchair, and a totaled van. Jermiah was trapped until first responders were able to safely remove him. This van was Jermiah’s only means of transportation, and without it, he is unable to load his 500-pound wheelchair to go anywhere. For two months now, school and home have been the only two places available to Jermiah.

Lifelong fans of the Detroit Lions, both Jermiah and I, bleed Honolulu blue. Coach Dan Campbell emphasizes the importance of grit; describing it as having the ability to overcome adversity in any situation, pushing through mental and physical barriers. Jermiah Millard is the grittiest kid I have ever met. His courage and determination is inspirational, and I know the Detroit Lions recognize this as well. Ironically, before I had the pleasure of meeting or having Jermiah as a student, his courage and strength brought me to tears.

On December 4, 2022, the Detroit Lions hosted and beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. I attended the game with 12 of my closest friends for my bachelor party. A truly unforgettable experience, The highlight of that day came during a TV timeout, when the voice of the public address announcer, Chris Fritzsching, directed everyone's attention to the west end zone, where he then introduced a kid by the name of Jermiah Millard. Down on the field, Jermiah was being honored for a play he made earlier in the year during a youth game. The play was so incredible, it went on to win play of the year. After showing his amazing play on the Jumbotron, Jermiah received a standing ovation from everyone inside Ford Field. When it was announced that Jermiah was from Flushing, Michigan, I felt an immense sense of pride knowing that this incredible young man was from my hometown.

Getting to know and bond with Jermiah has been an absolute privilege. After his families recent accident, his grandma and grandpa are left with the seemingly insurmountable financial burden of medical bills, wheelchair repairs, a mangled lift, and a totaled Van. We’re going to take on this challenge head first, and we’re going to do it together. What Jermiah needs most now is a van with a lift. I am asking for support in any way possible during this challenging time for Jermiah and his family. I am confident with your help, Jermiah can find the strength and resources he needs to navigate this challenging time.