What do you do when your best friend’s wheelchair tips over, or when it’s too big for them to use the bathroom independently? For one thoughtful eight-year-old boy, the answer was clear: he set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a new wheelchair for his friend. This inspiring story of friendship has captured hearts everywhere online.
Meet Jake and Tommy
Meet Jake Williams and his best buddy, Tommy Green. These two boys from California have been inseparable since they met in kindergarten. They share a love for playing superheroes, devouring Happy Meals, and enjoying their time at the park.
Jake noticed that while Tommy never let his wheelchair define him, it sometimes failed to meet his needs. During a recent playdate at a farm, Jake witnessed Tommy’s wheelchair tip forward, causing him to fall out. “Jake was stunned,” said Lisa Green, Tommy’s mom. “We had no idea that the chair wasn’t properly fitted.”
Tommy’s Journey
Tommy was born with a growth on his T2 and T3 vertebrae, which has led to paralysis in his lower body. Though he has undergone surgeries to manage the issue, he still relies on a wheelchair that has become increasingly unsuitable as he grows. Unfortunately, his family can only get funding for a new chair through Medicare every five years, leaving them in a tough spot.
“Buying a new chair was not something we could manage right now,” stated Yvonne Williams, Jake’s mother. Recognizing his friend’s plight, Jake took matters into his own hands and created a GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Tommy Rollin’.”
Jake’s Heartfelt Campaign
In his heartfelt post, Jake explained, “Tommy’s wheelchair has fallen over several times, and that’s just not okay. Plus, it’s heavy, making it hard for him to push. The worst part? He can’t even fit through the bathroom door without assistance.” Jake continued, “If we can get him a new wheelchair, he’ll be so much more comfortable and independent. I know he’ll zoom around and we’ll have even more fun together!”
Within just 27 days, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising over $6,000—far exceeding the original target of $3,900. This amount will allow Tommy to get a custom wheelchair that fits his needs perfectly.
Looking Ahead
Tommy just needs to take a few final measurements before his new chair arrives, expected in August. His mom shared that after trying a demo model, she could already see a difference: “This new chair is so much lighter. It will empower him to be more mobile, allowing him to do more on his own.”
The transition to a customized chair will open up a world of opportunities for Tommy, enabling him to explore new activities and environments. Jake expressed that helping his friend was a natural decision because “Tommy is a great friend and really kind.”
Tommy reciprocated, saying, “Jake always thinks about me, and I really appreciate that.” Lisa Green emphasized the importance of their friendship, stating, “This is a beautiful example of what love and friendship can achieve. These kids are teaching us all a valuable lesson.”
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Conclusion
In summary, this touching tale of an eight-year-old boy’s initiative to support his friend with a new wheelchair showcases the true essence of friendship and compassion.