Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
SMASH & PAINT EVENT WILL HELP FOSTER KIDS WITH DISABILITIES GET VAN
Colby and Manny Stay Positive Despite Intense Medical Challenges
NACOGDOCHES, Texas—Let out your rage and embrace the joy of a Smash & Paint fundraiser for a good cause. This Sunday, April 30, smash or paint (or both!) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Nac Smash ‘N Paint Rooms (4808 S. US Highway 59 in Nacogdoches) to raise funds and hope for a new accessible van for two foster local children with severe disabilities: 11-year-old Colby King and 9-year-old Emmanuel “Manny” Renteria.
Fundraiser Details
When: Sunday, April 30 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Smash ‘N Paint Rooms at 4808 S. US Highway 59, Nacogdoches, TX 75964
What: Help smash a retired accessible van (ages 7+), enter the Smash Room (ages 10+), or enjoy the Paint Room (under-10s or ages 11+). Enjoy burgers, chips, and drinks for purchase.
Cost: $10-$30 per person depending on activity
Buy tickets: Get your tickets with a donation made onsite (cash or card).
Client’s Story
Colby and Manny are foster children who have each experienced complex childhoods and medical challenges. Their legal guardian, Denise McClure, plans to adopt both boys.
In the foster system since 2019, 11-year-old Colby is living with a rare diagnosis called neurodegeneration brain with iron accumulation (NBIA). The life expectancy for NBIA is late teens to early adulthood. He relies on a wheelchair for mobility and requires constant care. Colby loves to smile, give hugs, and socialize. “He now has over 40 girlfriends by his count,” said Denise. “He is a Casanova!”
9-year-old Manny was already receiving hospice treatment when he entered the foster system in 2020. Born early, he had strokes and seizures at birth and experienced Shaken Baby Syndrome. Deaf and blind, Manny is non-verbal and cannot move on his own. Even so, “he has learned to make sounds and laughs at himself so hard when he hears himself,” explained Denise. “I want to be in his head sometimes—he breaks into these big, beautiful smiles and laughter out of nowhere. I think he visits heaven.”
Colby and Manny’s medical specialists are all located more than three hours away from their home. Denise requires a new accessible van to keep up the boys’ quality of life and give them the highest possible chance of a healthy, comfortable life.
Such a van must accommodate both boys’ mobility devices plus machines, supplies, and medical equipment that keeps them safe as they pursue medical care and special activities and events in the community.
With no help from insurance, an accessible van will cost $35,000 or more. That’s why Denise turned to the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live to start a fundraising campaign. Funds raised from the Smash ‘N Paint fundraiser will go to Help Hope Live in Manny and Colby’s honor.
Donations can also be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/21758/
Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed 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 $172 million to pay patient expenses.
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Written by Emily Progin
