My name is Mary Gaffey, and I am writing to you today not as a stranger, but as one of the many families whose lives have been completely transformed by May We Help (MWH). For the last five years, MWH has been more than a resource for us; it has been the essential partner in our son Joseph’s development.

The focus on mobility and independence began early for Joseph. At three years old, MWH modified his first power wheel with a big, accessible red button. This was Joseph's first taste of driving and self-directed play. Since then, MWH’s Custom Solutions has modified a second power wheel and two bikes, allowing him to explore, play with friends, and participate fully.

During an MWH Adaptive Equipment Event, we were helped by a volunteer therapist, Lisa Davison. I will never forget this meeting with Lisa. She looked at Joseph and told us that without hinges in his Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs), he was never going to walk. That single, insightful observation was a catalyst that changed Joseph forever. Shortly after the equipment event, Lisa became Joseph’s Physical Therapist. Today, thanks to the custom device work supported by MWH, Joseph uses parallel bars in his bedroom and practices his walking every day before school!

Your gifts also fund the magic that happens at May We Help's inclusive social events. The May We Help Halloween parties are a rare, crucial opportunity for Joseph to go to an event without needing constant assistance from his parents or others. It is a day when he is completely included, and it’s truly spectacular. Joseph has received several costumes from MWH in which his wheelchair has been fully transformed into vehicles from his favorite shows. The craftsmanship was outstanding, and Joseph truly felt like the coolest kid on the block during trick-or-treating.

And during the winter holidays, your support makes Santa's Workshop possible. Unlike the loud, crowded chaos of the mall or zoo, MWH provides a quiet,
pre-scheduled, one-on-one visit with Santa in a low-stress environment. This thoughtful approach allows Joseph to truly experience the magic of meeting Santa without being overwhelmed, creating a peaceful and memorable tradition for our whole family. Joseph was able to pick a switch-adapted toy. His
absolute favorite was a Nerf dart shooter. This device was ingeniously clipped right onto his wheelchair, allowing him to keep his hands free to drive while simply pushing a large button to fire the darts. He had never had a toy that allowed him to play spontaneously and equally with his siblings and neighbors.

Joseph’s journey—from receiving his first adapted power wheel, to access to adaptive equipment, and annual holiday events—shows the holistic impact of MWH. They cover every base.

Knowing that MWH is right around the corner has fundamentally changed our lives. My stress about equipment, accessibility, and independence for Joseph is significantly less because I know that when the next barrier arises, MWH has the volunteers ready to design a solution we simply can't buy.

Please consider donating today. Your gift is not just funding a singular project; it is guaranteeing that a child, like Joseph, can access the full suite of support—from adaptive toys to life-changing mobility equipment—that allows him to live without limits.

With deepest gratitude, and wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
The Gaffey Family,
Mary, DJ, Joseph, Patrick, and Maggie

Living Without Limits 2025

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