The Help Hope Live team has had an action-packed August with three meaningful opportunities to connect with our community.
Here’s a recap, including our first-ever trip to Abilities Expo Houston, our visit to our friends at Shepherd Center, and heartfelt moments at the Amputee Coalition National Conference.
Our First Trip to Abilities Expo Houston
Sonny, our Director of Outreach, teamed up with Client Services Coordinator Melanie to make Help Hope Live’s first visit to Abilities Expo Houston.
We’ve come to expect a lot from our Abilities Expo visits over the years, from incredible connections to new technology and beyond. And as Sonny reported:
“It did not disappoint!”
We got the chance to reconnect with friends, partners, and clients plus meet new vendors with products that could provide innovative pathways for our community.
Here are just a few of the connections we made in Houston:
Adaptive sports coordinator Matt Castelluccio and president/CEO Rafferty Laredo of United Spinal Association, an SCI empowerment and advocacy organization:
Alea Chelgren of Frog Legs INC. and Wheelie Cool Stuff:
Julienne Dallara, Abilities Expo team member and Ms. Wheelchair California 2024:
And our client Gary Bolton, who has been fundraising with Help Hope Live since 2011:
As Sonny explained, these visits make it possible to commit to spreading our mission in every way we can, digitally and through in-person connections:
“Thanks to Abilities Expos, we get to bring Help Hope Live to each community and meet people where they are, making our services as accessible as we can.”
A last look – here’s Sonny with a few of the Abilities Expo team members who make the magic happen for attendees, Debbie Barbieri and ASL interpreter Jeremy Aston:
Visiting Shepherd Center
While in Atlanta, we had to stop by Shepherd Center—a leading specialized rehabilitation center for individuals experiencing a neurological injury or illness.
We receive client referrals for medical fundraising frequently in partnership with Shepherd Center, but as Sonny explained, the in-person visit made a lasting impact.
“It’s pretty amazing finally getting here.”
Sonny connected with Matt Abisamra, the driving program supervisor at Shepherd Center.
Along with giving us a tour of the facilities, Matt let us know he gives a presentation to Shepherd Center families “at least twice a day” that includes two full slides about Help Hope Live’s fundraising platform.
Following the visit, Client Services Coordinator Stacia mentioned she had just received a campaign request from a family looking to support a 13-year-old receiving care at Shepherd Center.
“It’s a small-world moment.”
PS—relevant to Matt’s interests and hopefully yours, we’ll be holding a free virtual Hope Talk in September about driving after a spinal cord injury. Join us!
Surprises at the Amputee Coalition National Conference
Sonny exhibited at the 2024 Amputee Coalition National Conference in Atlanta and made several unexpected and meaningful connections.
Our friends at Less Leg More Heart provide a supportive community for individuals impacted by amputation with unity, advocacy, and empowerment. The organization’s founder and CEO, Tina Hurley, invited Sonny to a weekly amputee virtual support group.
Sonny listened in as attendees got the chance to share their stories:
“…and that’s when Tina pulled me on camera to give Help Hope Live a beautiful shoutout.”
Sonny got the chance to share Help Hope Live’s fundraising support for the amputation community during the group. It was an unscripted and memorable moment of missions colliding for hope.
While at the National Conference, Sonny had another unexpected moment: meeting Nelson Thomas of reality TV fame, including MTV’s “The Challenge.” Nelson became an amputee in 2024 following a car accident.
“I had been following his journey, and it was so great to meet with him right now.”
From beginning to end, our time connecting with the amputee community was powerful.
“There really is a great sense of community fostered here.”
Where Next?
These moments of in-person connection are profoundly impactful for our team—both for onsite attendees and those of us working with client families remotely.
As always, if you or someone you care about is facing a medical crisis, we’re here to help: apply online or learn how we’re different from other fundraising platforms.
We hope you’ll keep following these community moments!
Subscribe to our Latest for email updates of our adventures, and see upcoming virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with us on our Events page.
