Help Shea Birdie and the Weidners Get a Van!

This Fundraiser is organized by: Friends of Shea and the Weidner Family!

MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS:  WOW--This has been an incredibly successful fundraiser!  We weren't sure what to expect or where to set the goal dollar amount when we kicked this off.  Let's keep this going for the Weidner family and get them closer to covering  the cost of the van!!  Thank you for your generosity!  The Weidners are completely overwhelmed by the love you have shown them---and Deb can't talk because she is busy crying tears of joy.

The Weidners are a deeply loved family in Zionsville. There are not many people who don't know Deb, Marcus, Von, Shea, and Cruz. They
exude positivity and they all make us better people. In fact, as many of you know, their family motto is "Let Others Shine."

Deb and Marcus knew for quite some time that they were called to adopt a child. A year after Von was born, they found out they would be able to adopt a child that was to be born in Rochester, IN. They decided to choose the name Shea because it means "a gift." They never expected what a gift her life would be until they realized at six weeks of age she had significant health and genetic issues.

After many tests and hospitalizations, when Shea was just a few months old, she was rushed to the hospital and required significant surgical procedures to repair issues related to her esophagus and malrotation in her intestines. Sadly, Shea has been medically fragile all her life and her battle with chronic illness related to Cerebral Palsy -seizures, failure to thrive, and feeding issues- continues each day. But sweet Shea never gives up! She lives each day with a smile when she is feeling well. She radiates love to all those who are around her.

We hope you will join us and help us make a difference in the Weidners' lives the way they do in ours every single day. Lifting and carrying Shea for the past 15 years has taken a toll on Marcus and Deb. It has become very difficult to get Shea to/from their current van. If Shea had a wheelchair accessible van it would make life easier for the Weidners. We all know they need to get to church, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. Their current van is more than 10 years old, and it is time to make this much needed upgrade! A new van with a wheelchair lift is approximately, $77,000. Marcus and Deb have begun the process of finding a gently used Toyota Sienna to fit their needs. Our community is known for it's generosity and kindness, and we are excited to work together for this amazing family! Whether you give $10 or $10,000 the Weidners are so grateful for your help to defray the huge expense of this much needed van.

Thank you for helping Shea Birdie and her beautiful family! We can't wait to see the Weidners zooming around town in their new accessible van!!