Art Franklin is a 54-year-old brother in Christ who in 2003 was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After his diagnosis, he and his family (wife Nora and two boys) moved from Atlanta to Statesboro GA to take care of his elderly Mother-In-Law. In 2014, Art’s condition progressed to where he now requires a wheelchair in order to be mobile. The reason we decided to start a private donation fund for Art is to raise money to acquire a wheelchair accessible van with adaptive controls which he can drive with just the use of his hands. In addition to giving him the freedom to be able to get around, an adaptive controls vehicle would also provide therapy by engaging motor functions and sharpening hand-eye coordination.
Despite the challenges Multiple Sclerosis has thrown at him, Art manages to remain a positive and encouraging inspiration to his family and friends. Art is known and well-loved by many and is a respected member of his community where he has been involved for many years. He grew up playing soccer in Florida and in 1985 he received a scholarship to play at Georgia Southern where he was a four-year Letterman. His talent then led him to play semi-professionally for the Arizona Cotton (USISL). Art has continued to follow his passion for soccer by coaching at Statesboro Highschool. He was also a Coach and Director for the Statesboro United Soccer Club.
Art’s passion for soccer is only surpassed by his love of God and his family. He ALWAYS makes time to serve others and offer friendship to those in need. Those that know him can attest that this selflessness has always been the hallmark of his character. That is why when we learned of this need it was a no-brainer to try to help this man who for so many years has given so much of himself.
We have set a goal of $30,000.00 in order to equip Art with a reliable mode of transportation that will enable him to have the freedom that we so often take for granted. We want to thank you in advance for contributing and for bringing this simple joy into Art’s life. God Bless!
Six-year-old Ryder had a traumatic start. He was injured at birth and diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, HIE for short. Later, Ryder was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. When Ryder was eight hours old, he had his first seizure. At 24 hours old, he was transferred down to Joe DiMaggio children’s hospital, and when he got there they hooked him up to all of their machines, and he was in a constant seizure state. It took them three days to get him to come out of it. Ryder was sedated and on a few different medications trying to get the seizures under control. The right cocktail was found, and Ryder did not have any more seizures. When Ryder was discharged from the NICU, he was only on one seizure medication. Ryder’s levels of Keppra has increased over time and has allowed him to remain mostly seizure-free. Today he is a happy and extremely loved little boy. As a six-year-old Ryder receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurofeedback, and speech therapy provided through insurance and several therapies that are not covered by insurance. Many of the therapies that can help most him are not covered by insurance, so to give Ryder every opportunity to advance, his family is now trying to raise support for his care. His family is super grateful for all of the emotional, physical and financial support they have received from family and friends. They could not do this alone. Any amount that could be contributed will be greatly appreciated.
Request: $5,000
