Durham family needs wheelchair van
DURHAM (WTVD) -- We first heard of the Mills Family from a Facebook message trying to get votes to win a wheelchair accessible van for their two sons Jack and Luke. Sadly, they didn't win, but ABC 11 viewers have stepped up to help the family in a big way.
Jack and Luke Mills are two brothers, just 7 and 5. They were both born with the same extremely rare genetic mutation.
"Jack and Luke require total care. They don't sit up on their own. They don't walk," said the boy's mother, Arden Mills. "They're non-verbal. They don't communicate their wants and needs, which can be difficult."
Arden is a Durham Public Schools teacher and her husband Adam Mills keeps busy taking care of their sons' needs. A new obstacle they're facing is, with the boys growing and getting bigger, it's tough to carry them from their wheelchairs into their car seats in the Mills small SUV. They desperately need a wheelchair accessible van, so the two boys can just be wheeled into the van.
After ABC 11 viewers found out the Mills did not win the van, donations started to pour in. A GoFundMe page is collecting funds for the van (http://www.gofundme.com/JackLuke) and The North Carolina Epilepsy Foundation is also collecting funds. One business, Coats Auto Body and Paint also got involved by donating $5,000 towards the wheelchair accessible van. So far, more than $28,000 has been raised.
"It's amazing all of this has happened just from sharing our story. I am overwhelmed and very grateful." Arden said.
And that's not all.
"I saw the story on Facebook and it really called out to me. We're all about community," Kim Carpenter said.
Kim owns 'Turn Key Events' and is organizing a big fundraiser for the Mills on October 11 at Creekside Elementary School in Durham.
"We are selling BBQ tickets, we are going to have T-shirt sponsors, anything anyone can help with, we greatly appreciate it," Kim said.
She has already gotten several organizations to help with the big day, including the principal at Creekside Elementary, Cindy Daniels.
"Knowing that she's a Durham Public Schools teacher and that she has two kids in the school system, I thought it was our part for Creekside to get involved and I would encourage anyone in Durham Public Schools to get involved," Cindy said.
Mangum Elementary in Durham is also stepping up by providing some of the entertainment for the fundraiser.
"Heard about this need for this particular family and thought it was a good opportunity to get our students and families involved at Mangum," said principal of Mangum Elementary, Karen Kellett.
A big part of the fundraiser on October 11 is a walk-a-thon. Business owner Amy Hoogervorst of 'Youngevity' is sponsoring part of it.
"I thought it would be a great idea and a way to give back to this family," Amy said.
Non-profits were also touched by the Mills' story.
"Diane, I saw your story initially and it warmed my heart and I really wanted to do something for the family," Amy Williams of Little Red Foundation said.
Little Red Foundation helps families with critically ill children, and has already raised more than $3,000 for the Mills fundraiser.
"To see those beautiful children and how their growing and getting bigger and we can all take care of infants but to continue to take care of growing children and put them in that little CRV it just touched my heart," Amy said.
The outpouring of support touches the Mills.
"It's unbelievable. I'm actually shocked that it's actually happening and so many people are reaching out and so many people are helping because we definitely couldn't have done it by ourselves," Arden said.
There are several ways you can help the Mills Family get the wheelchair accessible van.
A Go Fund Me Page is collecting donations: http://www.gofundme.com/JackLuke.
The Epilepsy Foundation of NC has also stepped in to help collect donations. They have a "Circle of Care" program where people can donate to a specific cause for a family. The Mills Family now has a fund set up through the foundation, and you can mail a check made out to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina and send to Patricia Gibson's attention.
100% of your donation will go to the cause. Your donation must state Circle of Care. Your donation is tax deductible.
Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina
Attention: Patricia Gibson/Director
Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A
1920 West First Street
Winston Salem, North Carolina 27104
The Mills Family Fundraiser is set for October 11 at Creekside Elementary School 5321 Ephesus Church Road Durham, NC 27707.
The event will be from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come out and join the fun. The event organizer Kim Carpenter of Turn Key Events is looking for event sponsors, volunteers, and any help you can offer.
For more information on it, click: http://www.tkeventsnc.com/mills-family-fundraiser.html
Contact Troubleshooter Diane Wilson
