The PHX Fund for Adapted Technology is sharing one last huge expression of gratitude to all of those who have supported this organization for the last 10 years. This nonprofit has officially concluded all fundraising efforts and is ending association activities. For those who might know the purpose we have served, but not the reason this organization was created, we would like to take this opportunity to share. This organization was started to honor the memory of an exceptional kid named Pheonix (spelled like phenomenal because his Grandma knew right away). Before he was a year old, he was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called Schizencephaly. The prognosis in 2002 was not anything a parent would want to hear. It was not believed that Pheonix would be able to participate fully in life or significantly. They were very wrong and we could not be more grateful to the individuals who made that possible.
The Columbus City Public School system in Ohio gave us something we did not think was achievable given Pheonix’s diagnosed limitations; opportunity and hope. From Pre-K to Middle School, there were teachers, therapists, aides, and nurses who went to great lengths helping him find a way. It wasn’t the way other kids participated, but it was his unique way. Unique just like him. They would send home reports of activity and we were often in disbelief. Not possible. No way. But there he was sitting and laughing with his classmates, using adapted scissors to cut paper, and a custom made squeezing device to apply glue to assemble his class assignment for math or literature. Devices that fit over his hands so he would create art. Levers and pulleys reachable from his wheelchair to activate science experiments. A head activated speech device so he could demand burritos and chocolate cake. A kid who doctors initially thought would simply be “euphoric” and barely present was thriving all because there were individuals that refused to see a diagnosis before seeing a kid who was just waiting for “his way” to participate. Additionally, Pheonix had the confidence from these opportunities to believe in himself. That fueled his growth.
When Pheonix passed in 2015, it was devastating, but 11 years beyond the initial expectation was hardly something to complain about no matter how painful it was. Those who knew him were thankful for absolutely every year. He wasn’t the only one learning and growing. Every year was another year of sharing a journey with an incredible human who was teaching others to push past perceived limitations and to find joy in every opportunity. Find “your” way. To honor him, we wanted to help contribute to the classrooms and individuals who believed he could so they had the resources to show other kids they could too. As the nonprofit organization grew, we were able to expand from benefiting Pheonix’s elementary school Colerain and middle school Arts Impact Middle school, to also providing wishlist items to Beechcroft High, Independence/East High, and Maize pre-k programs.
How is all of this possible? The support of the community, friends, family, and sponsors have created this success! Every year was greater participation in the fundraising events. Every year there were more individuals donating to this cause through their jobs and businesses. Every year there were more artists, discgolfers, local businesses, and friends contributing to the raffle for fundraising event. How many raffles are there where you could experience a heated battle for a homemade pumpkin roll or handmade art piece! The generosity and participation over the last 10 years is something I hope all who have participated in or contributed to can truly reflect on with joy and warmth. It was far from an easy decision to conclude this organization’s fundraising operations. Emotional would be an understatement. We hope that the success we have had over the last 10 years with The PHX Fund for Adapted technology inspires others to give back to whatever sparks the same feeling of belief in the possible as we have had the great fortune to experience over nearly 25 years. I am confident all of those who have shared in this journey in a meaningful way will believe unlikely does not mean impossible and that being unique does not limit you from finding “your way”. Thank you all for your support, smiles, love, and joy. This concludes this chapter.
Hope is a waking dream – Aristotle