Modifications For Maya
Donation protected
Eleven years ago, Maya Torres was born with 2 rare brain malformations called pachygyria and bilateral generalized polymicrogyria. Because of these rare brain malformations, Maya was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). She was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus and enlarged ventricles in her brain, which required two brain surgeries in her first few years of life. In addition to CP, Maya is also diagnosed with global developmental delay, dystonia, mixed tone, and epileptic seizures. Maya has undergone several procedures and surgeries, but she keeps on smiling. Maya cannot speak or walk, but it is clear to everyone who knows her that she is smart, funny and happy. Her smile is infectious!
Maya’s dad, Peter, is a teacher and beloved head soccer coach at FCHS. Her mom, Abby, is a stay-at-home mom to Maya and her 2 brothers, Landon and Carson. Through hard work and financial sacrifice, they bought a small home with a bedroom and bathroom on the main level for Maya. They have been able to build a ramp to get her in and out of the house. However, as Maya grows there are certain aspects of the home that are in serious need of modification to allow for maximum independence and safety for Maya and her caregivers, mainly Peter and Abby. Even with these circumstances and sacrifices, Peter and Abby consider themselves to be tremendously fortunate (even when their resources are stretched to the max). Abby and Peter are, without fail, the first to ask “How can we help?” when their friends and community are in need. Abby is a trusted resource for parents of special needs children who turn to her for guidance on everything from educational support to navigating insurance. She selflessly shares her time, compassion and sense of humor.
The two aspects of their home that are in need of extensive modification are Maya’s bedroom and bathroom. Currently, she cannot access her bathroom in her chair, and she needs to be lifted into the bathtub which is difficult and unsafe for Maya, Peter, and Abby. The doors and hallways are too narrow to accommodate her chair. Local accessibility consultants and contractors have generously offered to donate their time and reduce their labor costs to help to make the needed modifications to Maya’s bedroom and bathroom. Another family whose child passed away is willing to donate an overhead lift system and motor to Maya so that she can safely and easily be lifted from her wheelchair into bed or a shower chair. Even with these generous gifts of materials and services, the cost to modify Maya’s bedroom, bathroom, and doorways is approx. $35,000. This GoFundMe page has been created to raise the funds necessary to get this work done as soon as possible. Our goal is to be able to raise the funds and complete the work prior to the beginning of next school year. We are asking that our wonderful community come together to help a beautiful young girl and her family who mean so much to all of us.
Maya’s dad, Peter, is a teacher and beloved head soccer coach at FCHS. Her mom, Abby, is a stay-at-home mom to Maya and her 2 brothers, Landon and Carson. Through hard work and financial sacrifice, they bought a small home with a bedroom and bathroom on the main level for Maya. They have been able to build a ramp to get her in and out of the house. However, as Maya grows there are certain aspects of the home that are in serious need of modification to allow for maximum independence and safety for Maya and her caregivers, mainly Peter and Abby. Even with these circumstances and sacrifices, Peter and Abby consider themselves to be tremendously fortunate (even when their resources are stretched to the max). Abby and Peter are, without fail, the first to ask “How can we help?” when their friends and community are in need. Abby is a trusted resource for parents of special needs children who turn to her for guidance on everything from educational support to navigating insurance. She selflessly shares her time, compassion and sense of humor.
The two aspects of their home that are in need of extensive modification are Maya’s bedroom and bathroom. Currently, she cannot access her bathroom in her chair, and she needs to be lifted into the bathtub which is difficult and unsafe for Maya, Peter, and Abby. The doors and hallways are too narrow to accommodate her chair. Local accessibility consultants and contractors have generously offered to donate their time and reduce their labor costs to help to make the needed modifications to Maya’s bedroom and bathroom. Another family whose child passed away is willing to donate an overhead lift system and motor to Maya so that she can safely and easily be lifted from her wheelchair into bed or a shower chair. Even with these generous gifts of materials and services, the cost to modify Maya’s bedroom, bathroom, and doorways is approx. $35,000. This GoFundMe page has been created to raise the funds necessary to get this work done as soon as possible. Our goal is to be able to raise the funds and complete the work prior to the beginning of next school year. We are asking that our wonderful community come together to help a beautiful young girl and her family who mean so much to all of us.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jim Wilkinson
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
Abigail Torres
Beneficiary
