Kelson Williams, a spirited 12-year-old from Radnor, is making waves with his fundraising journey for his service dog, Gus, through Help Hope Live. Born prematurely and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Kelson's zest for life shines brightly, despite the challenges he faces. His big heart and infectious smile have won over not just his community but even Philadelphia sports legends, who have shown up to support his cause. Kelson's family is rallying to raise funds for Gus' medical training, which isn't covered by insurance, aiming to enhance Kelson's independence and safety. With the community already raising over $6,300, this campaign is a testament to the power of collective support and hope.
Kelson's Inspiring Story
Kelson Williams, a 12-year-old from Radnor, has a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges, Kelson's spirit shines through, inspiring his community and beyond.
Warrior on Wheels
Kelson was born prematurely at 24 weeks and spent his first five months in the NICU. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his first birthday. Despite these early challenges, Kelson has grown into a fun-loving, big-hearted, and expressive young boy.
His mom, Stephanie, describes him as "a one-in-a-billion, comedic kid." Kelson's positive attitude and charm have made him popular not just in his local community, but also with Philadelphia sports legends.
While Kelson relies on a wheelchair for mobility, he strives to be as independent as possible. His determination and million-dollar smile have won hearts and inspired many to support his journey.
The Role of Gus
Gus, a Bernadoodle, is more than just a pet to Kelson - he's a crucial part of Kelson's journey towards greater independence. Gus was specifically chosen by Kelson's family for his potential to become a medical service dog.
Since he was 12 weeks old, Gus has been training for his important role. He's learning to help Kelson with mobility, independence, and medical monitoring.
With Gus by his side, Kelson will be able to do things he couldn't before, like picking up dropped items or flipping light switches. This partnership opens up new possibilities for Kelson's future and enhances his ability to enjoy life like any other 12-year-old.
Kelson's Community Support
The love and support Kelson has received from his community have been overwhelming. From local residents to sports celebrities, many have rallied behind Kelson's cause.
Fundraising with Help Hope Live
Kelson's family turned to Help Hope Live, a nonprofit based in Radnor, to start a fundraising campaign for Gus' medical training. This training, while crucial for Kelson's future, isn't covered by insurance and costs about $15,000.
Help Hope Live specializes in organizing secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people affected by catastrophic illnesses or injuries. They verify medical and financial needs for every patient they support.
The nonprofit has a strong track record, having raised over $188 million since 1983 to pay patient expenses. Their involvement adds credibility and structure to Kelson's fundraising efforts.
Marvel Trivia Night Success
One of the highlights of Kelson's fundraising journey was a Marvel Trivia Night held in March. This event brought together Marvel fans like Kelson for a fun evening that also supported a great cause.
The trivia night was a hit, contributing to the impressive $6,300 already raised towards the family's first fundraising goal. It showcased how community events can blend entertainment with meaningful support.
This success demonstrates the power of creative fundraising ideas that align with the interests of the person being supported. It also highlights how Kelson's personality and interests have helped to galvanize community support.
The Importance of Gus' Training
Gus' training is a crucial step in enhancing Kelson's independence and quality of life. It's a specialized process that requires significant time and resources.
Why Insurance Won't Cover It
Despite the clear medical benefits for Kelson, insurance doesn't cover Gus' medical training. This gap in coverage is common for many types of assistive animals and specialized therapies.
Insurance companies often classify service animal training as non-medical, even when the animal will perform medical tasks. This classification puts the financial burden on families.
The high cost of training - around $15,000 - makes it challenging for many families to access this valuable resource without support. This is why community fundraising efforts become so important.
What Gus Will Learn
Gus' training is comprehensive and tailored to Kelson's specific needs. The goal is to equip Gus with skills that will significantly improve Kelson's daily life and independence.
Some of the tasks Gus will learn include helping with mobility, such as providing balance support or retrieving Kelson's wheelchair. He'll also be trained to pick up dropped items and activate switches or buttons.
Importantly, Gus will learn medical monitoring skills. This could include alerting to changes in Kelson's condition or helping during episodes of muscle spasms. These skills will not only enhance Kelson's independence but also contribute to his safety and well-being.
How You Can Help
Supporting Kelson's journey is easy and rewarding. Your contribution can make a real difference in helping Kelson achieve greater independence with Gus by his side.
Ways to Donate
Donating to Kelson's campaign is straightforward and secure through Help Hope Live. Here are some ways you can contribute:
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Visit Kelson's campaign page on Help Hope Live's website.
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Choose a one-time or recurring donation amount.
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Complete the secure payment process.
Remember, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Help Hope Live ensures that funds raised go directly to cover verified medical and related expenses.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings Kelson closer to his goal and a future with greater independence.
Join the Fundraising Effort
Beyond direct donations, there are many ways to support Kelson's campaign. You can become an active part of the fundraising effort:
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Share Kelson's story on social media to spread awareness.
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Organize a fundraising event in your community, like the successful Marvel Trivia Night.
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Reach out to local businesses for sponsorships or matching donations.
Remember, your creativity and effort can make a big impact. Whether it's a bake sale, a charity run, or a themed party, every event helps raise funds and awareness for Kelson's cause.
By joining the fundraising effort, you're not just raising money - you're becoming part of Kelson's support network and helping to create a brighter future for this inspiring young boy.