MDFF of Indiana Donates Wheelchair Van to Maddox's Mission

Picture a chilly Mid-January afternoon in 2022. The place, Superior Van & Mobility in Fishers, Indiana. Staff members with the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation (MDFF), its board members, donors, and the Superior team are gathering for MDFF’s second, yes second, wheelchair van giveaway of the year! It’s a meeting planned long before, but due to COVID, it was delayed. The whole facility was buzzing with excitement as the real stars of the day were about to arrive, Maddox O’Connor and his family.

Never meeting Maddox, he would be described as any other energetic ten-year-old boy who loves baseball. However, there is something special about him many are unaware. It’s not that he has Mitochondrial Myopathy; what makes Maddox so special is that despite what life has handed him, Maddox has made it his life’s mission to help others, and, in doing so, he started a homeless ministry. What began a few years earlier with giving his lunch to a homeless person outside of the hospital where Maddox receives ongoing therapy, has now turned into helping many. It’s become his passion, but as his condition has progressed, the need to use his wheelchair has increased, thus making transportation more difficult. Today that is about to change!

Maddox has arrived, and the family begins exiting the vehicle. Everyone in attendance has gathered first inside for a quick bite to celebrate this event, however shortly after everyone migrated to the large showroom. To the family’s surprise around the corner, there was a red carpet leading up to a ramp on a mobility van. Maddox sees this and makes a beeline toward their new wheelchair-accessible van. It was a surprise by all but heartwarming nonetheless. Seeing the look on Maddox’s face and hearing the gratitude in his mother, Shawn’s voice as she began to thank everyone in attendance for making this day possible. Emotions were high.

As everyone gathered, Shawn began to tell their story of struggles and needs, which was incredible. Her dedication and devotion to her family show that she does not allow their circumstances to define them. Their family believes that through Christ, all things are possible and that Christ brought the O’Connor’s to MDFF. There wasn’t a dry eye in the showroom. Emotions filled the hearts of everyone as this very deserving family took the realization of what had been given to them.
The O’Connor’s new van will give Maddox more time to devote to his ministry, which by the way, is called Maddox’s Mission. It helps the homeless by providing food and care packages that he calls Blessing Bags. But he doesn’t stop there. Maddox also includes a handwritten note expressing his heart for the recipient and their situation. Maddox once said his ministry was important because he knows what it’s like living in a world he didn’t ask to live in and that everyone needs someone to love them. He is a true inspiration to others.

Some incredible stats on Maddox’s Mission:

• 2020 Blessing Bags provided by Maddox O’Connor to the homeless: 2,500
• 2021 Blessing Bags provided by Maddox O’Connor to the homeless: 3,000

The Mission of the MDFF is Very Special

Since the 1950s, the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation has made extraordinary things happen. Currently serving the state of Indiana, not only do they help individuals with Muscular Dystrophy get what they need to live each day to the fullest and maintain their dignity. The MDFF also provides essential items like wheelchairs, hospital beds, van lifts, ramps for homes, bathroom modifications, and shower chairs, to name a few. Over the last eight years, MDFF has donated eight wheelchair-accessible vehicles from Superior Van & Mobility to deserving Indiana families.

The staff’s passion, board members, and donors are extraordinary individuals. Everyone does so much to help others. Superior Van & Mobility is grateful to be a part of its mission. Together we have a common goal, assisting others in regaining their independence.

For 2022, MDFF has also set a goal – to team up with Superior Van & Mobility and give away two more wheelchair-accessible vans to Indiana families affected by Muscular Dystrophy. The application process for Indiana residents will open on March 15, 2022. For more information on the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation or to apply, please visit https://www.mdf.org

Richard W. Maxwell, MBA

Richard Maxwell, is a seasoned automotive marketing executive with over two decades of experience. Starting in 1999 with his advertising agency, Maxx Design & Marketing, he has consistently delivered innovative marketing solutions. After earning his MBA, Richard shifted focus to adaptive technology, serving as Marketing Manager for Superior Van & Mobility. Today, he leverages his expertise to promote and educate others about adaptive equipment in transportation and drive change in accessible mobility.

Justin Timberlake Buys Tennessee Teen a Wheelchair Accessible Van

Honk If You're Happy!

While most around the world would label 2020 as one of the worst years of recent history, the Stitt family of Morristown, TN would disagree.

(Warning: This story will touch your heart and ultimately just might strike a tear in the toughest of men.)

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, a day like any other in the small town of Morristown, TN. Here sits a teenager, Jake Stitt, a seventeen old with cerebral palsy going about his routine. It’s one of the highlights of his day, sitting on his front porch with signs to “Honk if You’re Happy” displayed, spreading cheer to others passing by.

However, on this day there so happened to be a news crew on hand from WJHL, a local TV station. Jake had thought they were there to do a story on him and his family who have been trying to raise money for a wheelchair accessible van. Unbeknownst, this day was about to take a different turn, and change the lives of the Stitt family forever.

As Jake sits, in the distance, sirens are heard. Unusual to Jake, he turns to look down his street, just as a caravan of vehicles approach. Unsure what he is seeing, it soon was announced by those surrounding Jake, that the caravan was for him. It was being led by a black Dodge Caravan from, Superior Van & Mobility with the town of Morristown following, lights and sirens blaring. There was about to be a special delivery, of a very special gift, from a very special, famous friend. Unfortunately, from here words cannot describe the excitement and feeling that ensued as the caravan reached Jake’s home, you must watch the video.

Now the conclusion to this amazing story… Jake’s, “Honk If You’re Happy” display and need for a mobility van story first got attention from a local online news article. Many in the community knew about Jake, but not his need. The family did not have a wheelchair accessible van and they currently depended on his father, who needed back surgery, to physically transfer him from his wheelchair to their vehicle for transport; a task that had become dangerous for both Jake and his father as he had grown. As word got out about their need, the community came together. A Go Fund Me was established to help raise the $35,000 needed to purchase the family a much-deserved wheelchair accessible van.

Actor, Michael Abbott, Jr. who now lives in New York. but from Morristown, Tennessee, clicked on a link about his upcoming movie release and stumbled upon Jake’s story. Next steps, Michael reached out to Superior Van & Mobility wanting to learn more about mobility transportation options and what could be a possible solution with the budget they had. After receiving the information he needed, Michael reached out to the Stitt family and promised them that somehow, someway Jake would have his van by Thanksgiving. Unsure how that might happen, Michael went to sharing the story with additional news outlets and was able to get them to video and showcase the families van need which then he quickly shared on social media. The story was even picked up and shared by Professional Surfer, Kelly Slater!

As the short time progressed, it happened, donations had started to come in from the community and those as far as Australia. It looked like the Thanksgiving delivery, Michael Abbott, Jr. had hoped for would actually happen. And he was right! Right before Thanksgiving, the Stitt family had met their goal.

However, this story doesn’t end here. At the last minute , Grammy Award Winner and Tennessee-native, Justin Timberlake found out about the initiative to raise money for the Stitt family and the wheelchair accessible van. Needless to say, Justin was very touched by, Jake and the community’s efforts. So much in fact, Justin reached out to the father via Zoom, to let him know that he would be purchasing the van for the family. But, Justin’s request did not stop there, Justin told Jake’s father that they were to also keep the $35,000 raised to help cover the ongoing, expenses associated with Jake’s care as long as Jake got to use the van while driving around town to spread his, “Honk If You’re Happy” message.

Thank you Jake for your inspiration and unselfish effort to brighten the day of others. You truly are a gifted young man who we look forward to knowing for the many years to come. We truly applaud your efforts!

From the Stitt Family:

Thank you Justin Timberlake for your generous donation and for changing the Stitt’s family’s life!
Thank you to actor, Michael Abbott Jr., for your passion to raise and spread awareness!
Thank you to the Morristown / Knoxville area community for returning the favor & smiles to Jake and his family!
Thank you to our Superior Van & Mobility – Knoxville team for making this memorable delivery possible!

Tag: Wheelchair Van donation

MDFF Donates Wheelchair Van to Maddox’s Mission