Due to a rare genetic disorder, 2-year-old Cillian Jackson cannot walk and needs a wheelchair to get around. Ideally, he needed an electric wheelchair, but his parents didn’t have the extra $20,000 for one and insurance had denied it as an option. That’s when the Farmington High School Robotics Team in Minnesota accepted the challenge to help. While researching the project, the students contacted University of Delaware’s GoBabyGo program, since they specialize in mobility devices for children. They were able to use some of their plans, plus the base of a Power Wheels car, to make an electric wheelchair. In addition, the group found ways to customize the chair, work out a plan for steering, and change some of the electronics to make it fit Cillian’s needs. Right before Christmas, the Robotics Team gave the electric wheelchair to Cillian. His parents commented, “It has been a true game-changer. It has given Cillian the freedom to explore and discover his surroundings in ways he never could before.”
Marcus Nauman attends Folwell Elementary School, in Minnesota. Because of Down Syndrome, Marcus sometimes deals with things differently. This particular day, like other days, he did not want to go back inside after recess. Seeing what was happening, five fifth graders convinced Marcus he should not have to walk back, but should be carried in on a throne. The students locked arms, resembling a chair, and carried King Marcus inside the school to his classroom. The big smile and laughter made the mission a success for Marcus, the boys, and teachers. Casie Nauman saw a picture of her son being carried like a king. She expressed, “This means the world to me. Their kindness and leadership will take them far. I’m so touched by this; there are beautiful things happening all the time. We just need to keep our eyes open.”
Marv’s wife passed away. To help with loneliness, he spends most of his days drinking coffee, at the Starbucks on Main Street in Edmonds, and visiting with people. At night, he spends time painting vases. Every morning, Marv fills several vases with flowers, drives to Starbucks, and begins another day of drinking coffee, visiting, and giving away the beautiful vases filled with flowers. To date, he has gifted over 1,200 vases to customers. On this particular day, Marv asked Kenna Bangerter’s husband if he could give her a vase of flowers. He smiled and said, “I always ask the husbands.”
This week, may we also be part of doing and being the good.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22
