Hi everyone — and thank you so much for taking a moment to read our story.

My name is Lillian, and I’m raising funds to purchase an accessible vehicle for my son, Mirai-Josiah (MJ).

MJ is 17 years old and has the brightest, most contagious smile — the kind that lights up every room. He’s sweet, curious, and a little mischievous. When he was just two, MJ was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare and very severe form of epilepsy. Since then, he has faced countless challenges, including many life-threatening seizures.

In 2014, after a catastrophic prolonged seizure, doctors told us MJ might not survive the night. But true to his spirit, he fought his way back. Nine months later, he came home from the hospital with profound neurological and physical challenges. Doctors once said we’d be lucky if he lived past 13. Today, at 17, MJ continues to defy the odds with courage and grace.

Although he survived, the damage was life-changing. MJ lost mobility, speech, and the ability to eat by mouth. He now receives all nutrition through a feeding tube and lives with cortical visual impairment (CVI), which may eventually lead to blindness, as well as spastic quadriplegia. He requires 24-hour care and the support of a dedicated medical team.

As MJ’s mom and full-time caregiver, I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring he thrives. Despite being a single parent working part-time to cover therapies, nutrition, and daily needs, I focus on creating joy and memories wherever possible. What we’re missing is freedom — the ability to travel safely, get to appointments, visit family, and respond quickly during emergencies.

Right now, we depend on Para Transpo, our local accessible bus service, which must be booked 24 hours in advance. While I’m grateful for the service, it often means long delays, limited scheduling, and missed moments.

For the past 10 years, we’ve used Para Transpo and accessible taxis to get around. However, due to the size and positioning of MJ’s wheelchair, we can no longer book an accessible taxi. This means our only option is Para Transpo — and if MJ becomes sick at school or during an outing, our only alternative is to call an ambulance.

An accessible van would change everything. It would bring safety, dignity, and flexibility to our daily lives. MJ could get to medical appointments comfortably, and we could enjoy simple outings on our own time — without barriers or long waits.

Every year with MJ is a precious gift. This van isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline for his safety, health, and quality of life.

I know $100,000 is a big goal, but every single donation — large or small — brings us closer to making this dream come true. Even sharing this campaign helps more than you can imagine.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and donating. It truly takes a village — and we are so grateful you’re part of ours.