Move Mountains For Lucas Munoz!

Medical Documents and Insurance Denial Letter

Help us move mountains for the Munoz family as they face an incredibly shocking and unfair DENIAL by UNITED HEALTHCARE for necessary medical equipment for their son, Lucas!

Lucas Munoz is a young tenth-grade student from Staten Island, New York. Lucas is diagnosed with Mitochondrial Complex 1 Deficiency, cerebral palsy, Leigh's disease, neuromuscular scoliosis, dystonia, and hemiparesis. All of these conditions impact Lucas' mobility, balance, and posture. Lucas is completely wheelchair-bound. While Lucas' current wheelchair is motorized, it does not allow for any repositioning or standing functions. His family's insurance provider has denied the request for a wheelchair base that allows for standing functions and chest support, citing that it is not a medical necessity, despite Lucas now requiring hip surgery to repair an injury caused by the lack of ambulation due to his current wheelchair's restrictions.

Lucas reminds us every day that it's possible to achieve greatness, to be a part of a great cause, to move mountains symbolically even when the physical is not possible. This year, Lucas took his first walk (in his wheelchair) outside with his classmates since becoming fully wheelchair-bound, on a class fieldwork trip coordinated by his related service providers. We look forward to providing Lucas with more authentic learning experiences once he has the equipment he needs to be comfortable. We want to remind Lucas of the power of community and strength in numbers. I challenge you to move mountains with us and be inspired by Gaynor McCown's legacy to make a mark and a difference in this world. Help us support Lucas in living life to his fullest potential without discomfort, as every young adult should, and consider contributing to our movement!