Wheelchair Accessible Van For Alex

Mary Beth Mitchell Richerson is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Nathan Johnson.

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Alex Johnson is a 10 year old boy was born with a rare form of skeletal dysplasia called progressive pseudo-rheumatoid chondrodysplasia. This is a rare genetic disease that affects bone development including the spine. This abnormal bone development causes painful and abnormal joint formation which through disease progression leads to limited or no joint mobility. Much of Alex’s early years were spent seeking answers to his muscle and joint pain. In the beginning, Alex used custom braces and a walker to get around.
At age 7, Alex decided he wanted to participate in a local annual 5K race. Of course, Alex could not run, so he teamed with local cross country coach Greg Armstrong and his brother Michael to form Team ALeX. In this initial race for Team ALeX, Coach Armstrong pushed Alex for a portion of the race. With the support of Coach Armstrong and Michael, Alex finished the race on his walker on his own.
In turn, Coach Armstrong has been with Alex as he educates people on being more respectful and conscious of those with disabilities. Alex has spoken chapels, schools, rotary clubs and other events spreading the word. He touches most everyone he meets with his positive and “Never Give Up” attitude. Those around him focus on what Alex can do, not what he can’t do. Alex makes this very easy for everyone. His parents receive numerous comments about the things Alex does for people or how he inspires others.
Just recently, Alex received a gift of his own customized power wheelchair. This gift has been a great blessing as he has begun to have great difficulty using the manual wheelchair as his joints deteriorate. With the new addition of the chair, a vehicle will be needed to accommodate his needs. Alex deserves a life that is not hindered by his limitations, but one that is full of opportunities. At this time, the means of transportation of Alex and his new power chair consist of a pickup truck and homemade wooden ramps. Having a different means of transportation would not only be appreciated by Alex and his family, but to the many he continues to inspire.
Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change the lives of just a few of those triumphing in the face of adversity.