Jackson Apala's Wheelchair Fund

I was attending a convention when I first saw the Action Trackchair .  My instant thought was one word “Jackson”.  I had never seen anything like it and it looked like the answer to quite a few heartfelt prayers. I later found out I wasn’t the only one that had that thought.   This grew the idea to work towards helping with raising funds for a much needed “outdoor” wheelchair for Jackson.


I’d like to introduce you to Jackson Apala.  An active outdoorsman, Jackson loves to help out on his family’s small farm.  His favorite thing is to be able to go outside and hand feed their horses, cows, chickens, and especially help to bottle feed new baby piglets when needed.  Jackson also loves to go hunting and fishing with his parents whenever he can. He’s even taught himself how to do a turkey call and tries to call in the wild turkeys in the area of the farm.


These types of things are not unusual for most farm boys. But if you hadn’t noticed, I never said Jackson was typical or normal, he isn’t either of those things. But he is awesome! His parents, Tommy and Jennifer, have taught him that no matter the challenge it is important to get out and do what you love. Jackson loves the farm and the outdoors.

But going outside and helping out is far more limiting than it is for most 14 year old boys, more than most people in general for that matter. When at six months of age Jackson wasn’t doing the things most “normal” babies would do, Jennifer and Tommy began looking for answers. Eighteen months later Doctors told them that Jackson had been born with only the left side of his brain. This has affected several aspects of his life. He will never walk or use his right arm or hand.  His speech would be affected and there would be numerous other difficulties. He would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his and it would have to be a motorized one. It is very difficult for Jackson to be confined to a wheelchair because he wants to be outside and active like all the other kids.

Anyone who has grown up on a farm, large or small knows that it is work, but it’s also an education like no other. Jackson’s parents realized that his participation in everyday chores gives him a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. The animals are nonjudgmental and accepting. They are grateful for his love and attention and he loves spending time with them. This is Jacksons “comfort zone”.

Because of wheelchair safety issues, Jackson has become more limited on where he can go and what he can do on the farm. Insurance will only cover wheelchairs that are considered “indoor use” and that’s only partially since they have a $10,000 deductible. These types of chairs are not sufficient for Jackson to get out in the environment he so loves.  Jennifer and Tommy have to make do and modify the wheelchairs to meet Jackson’s needs.   And that only lasts until he outgrows them or breaks them because the “indoor” chairs are not durable enough for outdoor use on the farm.  Tommy and Jennifer have looked into finding a better wheelchair so that Jackson can continue to do the things he loves.  Unfortunately the price of a new chair along with all of Jacksons other expenses is excessive, not to mention that insurance will not cover these types of chairs.

As I mentioned before Jackson is active, he is a doer, nothing will grow under his wheels if he has anything to do with it. He literally wore out his last wheelchair in 3 months when the motor when out on it, despite the Medical Equipment representative’s claims that the rear wheel drive chair would be more durable.  They also claimed that front and rear tip guards would be perfect for outdoors and much safer.  Jackson found out the hard way that wasn’t true. He was outside with his Mom shortly after getting his new chair when the chair tipped over on the uneven ground. How Jennifer managed to get both Jackson and that three hundred pound chair upright is a miracle. Because of safety issues, Jennifer or Tommy must be with him at all times while he is outside.  Being a typical teenager, Jackson wishes he could have an opportunity to have a little more independence.


I’m not going to tell you that the Action TrackChair is going to enable Jackson to get a job, or make it possible for him to become totally independent, but your help would mean so much. What it will do is enable him to build self-esteem, to be productive, to experience things and places that you and I take for granted. Without the Action TrackChair, Jackson’s world will become increasingly more limited than it is today.

Did I mention that insurance will not pay for an outdoor wheelchair?  Because of this, both Tommy and Jennifer work multiple jobs.  Tommy works full time as a Farrier, which is a horse shoer.  This is back breaking work and for most is not a high paying job.  Tommy also does Taxidermy work and raises pigs and cows for market.  When time allows, he will also pick up other odd jobs to help bring in extra income that can help pay for medical expenses or equipment that insurance won’t cover or if they have not yet met their $10,000 deductible.  Jennifer works as a warehouse operations manager for Doughty Engineering.  Even with all they have going on, Jennifer and Tommy still find time to be active in their community, such as organizing the annual “Two Feathers Turkey Shoot Bash” for Disabled Persons.  The bash is basically an event where participants shoot at targets in competition. Tommy and Jennifer help teach about firearm safety and have a little friendly competition at the same time.  This provides a safe outdoor experience for those who may have never thought it possible to participate in such activities.

Through GoFundMe, we are hoping to raise enough money to purchase the Action Trackchair for Jackson.  The chair retails for $19,745 for the version that will stand up.  Our hope is to raise a little extra for a few add-on’s that are available with the chair.  Any support from friends, family and the community would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.