Emily Progin, Content Manager
[email protected] / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
MARCH 24 TRIVIA NIGHT TO HELP CHANGE 11-YEAR-OLD’S LIFE
Family of Kelson Williams Is Fundraising to Train Service Dog
DEPTFORD, N.J.—On Monday, March 24, enjoy Marvel Trivia Night at Bonesaw Pilot House in Deptford Mall to benefit a great cause: the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of 11-year-old Kelson Williams. Living with cerebral palsy, Kelson’s family is fundraising to get his beloved dog Gus trained as a medical service animal.
Marvel Trivia Night Details
When: Monday, March 24 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: Bonesaw Pilot House in Deptford Mall at 750 Deptford Center Road, Suite 1500, Deptford, NJ 08096
What: Marvel Trivia Night with food and t-shirts available for purchase.
Cause: Funds raised will help 11-year-old Kelson get a medical service dog.
Cost: $45 per team of six. Shirts for $15.
Register: https://events.helphopelive.org/event/6414/signup/
Flyer: attached
Can’t Make It? Donate: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20157/
Kelson’s Story
11-year-old Kelson Williams is a “warrior on wheels.” Born premature at 24 weeks, Kelson spent his first five months of life in the NICU. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his first birthday.
“He is a one-in-a-billion, comedic kid,” explained mom Stephanie. “He is fun-loving, big-hearted, expressive, and proud.”
Kelson has specific needs that are hard to fulfill on his own, including picking up dropped items, flipping light switches, and maintaining his balance. Their adopted dog, Gus, a Bernadoodle, was specifically chosen for his breed, size, and trainability to become Kelson’s service dog.
Once he is a fully trained service dog, having Gus around him will be a life-changing medical upgrade for Kelson, supporting his mobility needs, reducing muscle spasms, and keeping him safe anywhere he goes.
However, despite the medical benefits, insurance will not cover the cost—which leaves them on the hook for $15,000 or more out of pocket. That’s why they turned to the national nonprofit Help Hope Live to start fundraising. Donations are tax deductible at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20157/
Donors have already generously raised over $5,800 in Kelson’s honor to help with this cost.
Kelson’s story is inspiring the community further afield, too: in 2024, Kelson and Gus got a home visit from sports host and former Philadelphia Eagles player Barrett Brooks.
The year prior, Philadelphia Flyers alumni including Brad Marsh presented Kelson and his family with a surprise customized adaptive bike: https://youtu.be/Qt0FE05OoYk?si=5Xzp9zKfOLDb31Rv
Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $188 million to pay patient expenses. ###
