Family and friends of Elgin Thrower III (3lgin) are raising funds through Help Hope Live to help cover uninsured medical expenses associated with a catastrophic injury. Elgin has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live because donations are tax-deductible and every dollar will be used only for approved medical and related expenses.
My name is Elgin (Bo), and I am the proud father and full-time caregiver of my incredible 8-year-old son, Elgin.
My son depends on medical equipment every hour of every day. Whether we’re going to a doctor’s appointment, therapy, the park, or simply leaving the house, he must have his feeding pump, oxygen, suction machine, pulse oximeter, medications, and other essential medical supplies with him at all times. None of these are optional—they are what keep him safe.
As he’s grown older, so have the physical demands of caring for him. Every trip requires lifting him into his car seat, transferring his wheelchair, loading and unloading his medical equipment, and making multiple trips between the house and the vehicle. I do this alone. While I gladly do everything I can for my son, the reality is that these daily transfers become more difficult every year.
I don’t work outside the home because caring for Elgin is my full-time job. We currently live with my father so I can dedicate my time to providing my son with the best care and quality of life possible. My goal has always been simple: to make sure Elgin experiences as much of life as he can despite the challenges he faces.
That is why we are raising $78,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van through MobilityWorks and Help Hope Live. The van we have identified is currently priced at approximately $70,000, and our fundraising goal includes the taxes, registration, and other costs needed to safely put it on the road.
A wheelchair-accessible van would be life-changing for us. Instead of lifting my son in and out of his wheelchair and car seat for every outing, he could safely remain in his wheelchair while entering and exiting the van. This would dramatically reduce the physical strain on my body, make transportation much safer, and allow me to continue caring for him for years to come.
More importantly, it would give us freedom. Freedom to attend medical appointments with less stress. Freedom to visit family and friends. Freedom to enjoy community events, parks, and everyday experiences that many families take for granted. It would allow me to spend less energy on the physical struggle of transportation and more energy making memories with my son.
Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to that freedom. If you are unable to give, sharing our story with others is just as meaningful and appreciated.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, supporting our journey, and helping us provide Elgin with the quality of life every child deserves.
