Dear Friends of Will,

Will had his first seizure at nine months old and was later diagnosed with cortical dysplasia and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. He is nonverbal, profoundly intellectually disabled, partially blind, has limited use of his left hand, and continues to suffer devastating seizures every day. Yet Will is affectionate, deeply engaged, smarter than he may appear, and above all, the joy of our lives.

For nearly a decade, Will has lived and learned at The Center for Discovery in Harris, New York. Entrusting his full-time care to others was the hardest decision our family has ever made—and one of the best. The Center’s caregivers, teachers, clinicians, and therapists do far more than keep Will safe. They help him connect, participate, and experience joy. For families of children with complex disabilities, The Center is both a lifeline and a sanctuary.

In the Gospel of Mark, four friends carry a paralyzed man to Jesus. When a crowd blocks the door, they carry their friend onto the roof and lower him inside. Jesus heals him. For more than twenty-one years, you have been those friends for Will and for us. We pray boldly for his healing while recognizing God’s grace in his smile, in those who care for him, and in everyone who refuses to let us walk alone. All of you.

Each year, the Friends of Will community walks for 24 consecutive hours because complex disabilities never take a night off. We walk through daylight, darkness, and cold into the next morning to honor Will, his caregivers, and families living with round-the-clock seizures, worry, and vigilance. Please join us for a lap, an hour, or as long as you can. Come during the day or in the middle of the night. Bring family or a friend. Every step reminds us that faith is not only something we believe—it is something we do for one another.

When: 12 p.m. Saturday, November 21 – 12 p.m. Sunday, November 22

Where: Cold Spring Harbor High School, Long Island

Fundraising goal: $125,000

This year’s project: This year’s campaign will go toward updating the one mile trail system near The Center’s Health Center. The project would include improving the trails (grading and paving) and adding benches and peaceful areas to rest along the way. For students and residents of The Center, the trails provide an important opportunity for Energy Regulation – through movement, time outdoors, and connection with nature. Selfishly, Will loves the outdoors!

We believe God entrusted Will to our family knowing we would fight for his health, dignity, happiness, and future—and that we could never do it alone. He surrounded us with you: a community willing to carry the mat when the doorway is blocked and keep walking when the night is long.

Thank you for seeing Will, loving him, supporting The Center, and walking this road with our family. We are humbled by your kindness and eternally grateful.

With love, faith, and gratitude,

The Schupler Family

P.S. Please let us know how we can repay your generosity and selflessness. It would be our pleasure.