Keep the Copps Rolling!

Meet the Copps: Jody (dad), Melissa (mom), Calan (11), Lawson (7), and Jaia (service dog).  This amazing family needs your help!  The Copps desperately need a vehicle capable of meeting their sons' needs as they frequently travel to specialist appointments.  Both Calan and Lawson have a rare and serious medical condition that affects the muscles and vital organs in their bodies.  Significant medical equipment is required for each boy including wheelchairs, respiratory equipment, standers, and more.  They travel to Houston every 3-4 months for specialist visits and testing, usually seeing multiple doctors and spending 8+ hours at the medical facility each visit.  The journey to these specialist appointments is 300-400 miles each way, and their current family minivans are just no longer able to meet their needs while on these trips.


With all the equipment, luggage, and Calan's service dog, Jaia, there simply isn't enough space.  Perhaps most importantly, both boys are medically incontinent and are unlikely to develop that ability due to their medical conditions.  Unfortunately, adult changing tables are currently available in only very few public locations.  While traveling, the Copps have to completely unload their minivan and use the cargo area as a makeshift changing area.  The boys understandably complain of physical discomfort with this situation, and it is also taking a toll on Jody and Melissa's backs as the boys have grown.  A bus would allow for a life assist table which would provide the freedom of being able to safely tend to these needs anywhere, anytime, and with dignity.


After a decade of waiting, the journey of finally seeing their children access their home was captured on Season 5 of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" show which originally aired January 30, 2018.  The home was made possible by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Magnolia Foundation, Tim Tebow, the Tim Tebow Foundation, Make-a-Wish, and countless volunteers and fans.  After they were given the gift of accessibility, the Copp family paid it forward to help other families in similar situations by launching the Raising Wheels Foundation.  It was founded on the desire to help other parents raise differently abled children to become more independent and empowered.  After seeing their boys wash their hands at their own sink and play in their own accessible backyard, they knew they wanted the gift of accessibility to be given to as many families as possible.


Despite the challenges they face caring for both Calan and Lawson, Jody and Melissa constantly give back and are amazing advocates for other families in need.  In fact, my own family first met them several years ago as Jody was coaching my son's Challenger League baseball team which serves differently abled children and adults.  Melissa also served as a buddy for the team, and we quickly learned that this is a wonderfully selfless family.


As already mentioned, Jody and Melissa launched the Raising Wheels Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization, in July of 2018 with the mission of "improving accessibility everywhere for everyone".  Through this foundation they have provided grants to individual families in need of life assist tables in their homes and are working to have life assist tables and other proper equipment installed in schools and other public spaces.  


The Copps also advocate for legislative change by working with Protect TX Fragile Kids.  Their family has testified before the Texas legislature and met with legislators on multiple occasions.


In addition to travel for medical needs, travel is also frequently necessary to further their non-profit service.  In this way, too, the bus would facilitate the ability to travel with dignity to attend these events and further their mission.

Initially, it seemed a custom shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift and life assist table was the only possible solution.  This would cost approximately $80,000.  While raising money toward the purchase of a shuttle bus, another option presented itself.  Using funds raised here and through other means, the Copps were able to purchase a used school bus at auction just this week (March 2020)!  The school bus already has a wheelchair lift which is key, and it can be modified further to include a life assist table and other necessities.  Funds are still needed for modifications and repairs, but it will be a much lower total than the $80,000 purchase price for a custom shuttle bus.  Jody is working on an estimate now, but the total cost to modify and repair the bus should be $40,000 or less.  Please join us in spreading the word and giving if you can.  Share their story, and keep this deserving family in your prayers.



It is a big goal, but we believe we can build momentum and get this done.  Even the smallest donation will help us get there.  Your support means so much!  Many thanks!