CJ needs your help.

We are Firestorm Robotics, a middle and high school community robotics team based in the Cherokee Makerspace. We want to use our skills to create an all-terrain, adaptive wheelchair (right) for CJ (left). We have built and delivered more than a dozen of these so far and plan to do more.

From his mother, April Means:

“CJ was born with a rare neuromuscular disease called nemaline myopathy. It took the doctors three months to diagnose him, as they were unsure of what was causing his symptoms. This disease affects his muscles, causing weakness and low muscle tone throughout his body, particularly in his respiratory system and lower body. To help him breathe and eat, CJ has a trach and a gtube.

Despite his condition, CJ is now three years old and can sit up on his own, even though he cannot stand or walk. He doesn't let his limitations hold him back from being an active toddler. He enjoys playing catch with his sister, singing nursery rhymes, dancing, and playing peek-a-boo.

CJ is a sociable child and is becoming more independent as he grows. Since he is unable to stand or walk, we hope that his new ride will give him the opportunity to play more with his older sister and kids his age, allowing him to experience the joys that three-year-olds love!”

This project will be managed by veteran robotics mentors who will guide the members of Firestorm Robotics to learn while completing the ride. It will be built by kids, for kids.

Some funds will help support our team, Cherokee Makerspace, and the kids striving toward innovation and education.

$2500 will kickstart the project.
$4000 will help to replace/purchase equipment, support the team members for their next robotics season, and work on an all-new custom platform (Gen 2) for future projects.

Support a Robotics Kid:

When you go to donate, please credit the student who solicited you by selecting their name. Thank you so much for supporting kids with disabilities and STEM.

About Firestorm Robotics

Firestorm is a community FIRST Tech Challenge team that is comprised of high school and middle school students. These donations help the team with their summer camp in which they build these wheelchairs and prepare for the next robotics season. The team is stationed out of Cherokee Makerspace where they are able to fully expand on their creative ideas.

About Cherokee Makerspace

Cherokee Makerspace started as the workshop of the Firestorm Robotics team (Etowah Electric Eagles). Through the tireless work of the team's founding members, makerspace members, and sponsors, we have a community innovation center, hackerspace, or collaborative workshop.

Why support our makerspace?

We keep our membership fees low to make it affordable to more families. As we grow our makerspace family, the dues we collect help pay our monthly expenses. Until we increase our membership base to the point that it can self-sustain, we have to put some projects on hold. Your donation can help accelerate those projects or provide the necessary gap in revenue to keep the lights on. Your support allows the robotics team to thrive.

What's in a Makerspace?

Simply put, a makerspace is a place with tools and equipment where you can design and make things. It's where you incubate your next business and talk to people who can help you take your ideas to the next level.

What makes Cherokee Makerspace special?

Firestorm Robotics, a high school robotics team, started our workshop. As such, we remain the only robotics-focused makerspace in the county.

We have equipment that you may need but not want in your house. A 4'x8' CNC router or a 4'x4' CNC plasma. A full-size mill and lathe. Or a woodshop.

CJ Needs A Ride

Team Members