(Courtesy of the Parent Family) Reilly Parent and his family.
Friends Work to Give Young Boy a Lift
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OCTOBER 28, 2009

Reilly Parent is a spirited young boy who turned 10 on October 6th, 2009. He was born with a severe case of Arthrogryposis, a congenital defect of the joints. With this incurable joint condition, Reilly cannot walk, run, or even throw a ball to his dad.
Without the mobility of his chair and the strength of his mom's and dad's arms, his life would be a challenging existence - physically, spiritually, and mentally. Reilly is getting older and heavier and his parents' ability to lift him is decreasing. The strain is affecting their backs and their arms and will ultimately limit Reilly's mobility.
Currently Reilly has freedom to go to church and the playground, to watch the waves at the pier and to go wherever his parents can take him and his wheelchair. But soon enough he may lose those opportunities, once his parents are no longer able to lift him.
Friends of his family say you won't hear Reilly complaining about his fate in life. It's more likely that he will greet you with a smile and offer you a ride on the back of his electric wheelchair. And yet, he and his family face severe limitations.
A woman named Donna McWilliams attended a church event at Solid Rock Church in Clinton, Michigan a few weeks ago with the Parent family and noticed firsthand the happiness this family illuminates. "We enjoyed the day with Reilly and his family and realized how much easier their life could be if they only had a wheelchair van! A van that has been modified with a lift or ramp and raised ceiling where Reilly could just drive up into the van and could stay in his wheelchair. That way he would not have to transfer from his chair to the van each time they needed to go out."
As a result of that meeting, Donna and her family are making a bold effort to raise the $60,000 that Steven and Charmaine Parent will need to purchase a wheelchair van and to continue living a life that affords mobility for their active young son, Reilly.
Both Steven and Charmaine have been laid off due to the economic downturn in Michigan. If those who are able to contribute do so, it could provide this wonderful young family with an item they desperately need to lessen their load in life. Donna McWilliams states, "Not only would Reilly benefit from having a lift van, but I know that Steven and Charmaine would greatly appreciate the help as it would eliminate the need to constantly lift a growing boy whenever they need to travel anywhere."
You can help! Contribute to the Parent family through ChipIn: www.chipin.com/contribute/id/9863d4079aa568a7
Learn more about Reilly and his family: reillyslift.blogspot.com
Watch a video that shows Reilly's dad loading him into their current van: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qos93IirjUY