Experiences That Count
We cultivate a community of supporters and offer resources for people living with neuromuscular disease and their families in the greater Charlotte area. Through accessibility solutions, events, and a Family Weekend camp, we provide life-changing experiences that enrich people’s lives now and in the future. But we are not alone in our mission. Our ability to make such a positive impact relies on our dedicated tribe of volunteers, donors, vendors, and partners to make magical experiences happen.
2023 Stats
As part of the $408K, we awarded 8 wheelchair-accessible vans and $8,600 to install a home stair lift and a wheelchair docking system. To help make our financial assistance stretch as far as possible, our partners at Ilderton Conversion Company, a local dealership, and BraunAbility, the leading wheelchair-accessible van manufacturer, provide a discount so families can get an accessible vehicle covered by the amount awarded. All funds awarded are provided directly to the vendor or partner.
Real Stories
…”one of the most important things for my son is to feel a part of his community”…
“As the mother of a 30-year-old young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I have witnessed the many stages of this disease. At this stage, one of the most important things for my son is to feel a part of his community, and I feel it is just as important for the community to see non-abled people take part in their world. The Friends Foundation is the only group in our life that makes this happen. Whether it’s been at luncheons or the baseball game, we have been included to join with able-bodied people of our community. I hope that somehow, word will get out about The Friends Foundation, and other groups will be formed in other areas. The Friends Foundation is much more than financial support. You provide my son the ability to be a part of more than just his four walls. You give him back a part of himself. It was the greatest thing for us to see all the wheelchairs heading to the baseball game. It is not the disease that makes us handicapped; it is the obstacles that are put in our paths that create the handicap. Thank you to all who took the chance to start The Friends Foundation and help remove some of these obstacles! Never let anyone say one person can’t make a difference!”
~ Shelley & Tyler Catalano
“We considered moving, but the chance of finding an accessible home would not be easy or cost-effective.”
“It is very easy to take something as simple as safely getting to your bedroom for granted. We were once able to accomplish this simple task, but as our condition progressed, so did the inability to get to our bedrooms safely. I never thought our family would have to worry about home accessibility issues. However, three (out of the four of us) struggle with a progressive neuromuscular disease daily. The stairs in the two-story home we could once navigate became a huge obstacle for us. We considered moving, but the chance of finding an accessible home would not be easy or cost-effective. When we got the call letting us know that The Friends Foundation would help our family install a stair lift in our home, it was a relief! We never thought a stair lift would be so life-changing! We are now able to access our upstairs bedrooms with ease. No more worrying about going upstairs or living in an unsafe home. We are so grateful for the amazing love and support the foundation has shown our family!”
~ The Sentivan Family