Emily Burns
As a parent, all you really want is the best for your child and that means doing whatever it takes to make their dreams come true. When a father realized he couldn’t afford to provide his disabled son with a power wheelchair, he sought help from a local high school robotics team and what they created will seriously blow your mind.
A Minnesota high school robotics team recently came together to help build a special wheelchair for a 2-year-old boy.
According to KARE, little Cillian Jackson was born with a genetic condition that makes mobility extremely difficult.
“He has an especially hard time controlling his body. He has a lot of symptoms youÂ’d see in someone who has cerebral palsy,” said Tyler Jackson, CillianÂ’s father.
After discovering a power wheelchair for Cillian would cost upwards of $20,000 and likely not be coveredby insurance, Tyler decided to reach out to the robotics team at his former high school for help.
Farmington robotics coach Spencer Elvebak said his students were more than happy to help.
“I brought it up to the kids at a meeting, ‘Is this something we want to step up and do?’” Elvebak said. The response was a resounding ‘Yes’.
Members of the robotics team restructured the electrical components of a Power Wheels toy, mounted a seat for Cillian from abicycle carrier, and custom designed a joystick built by a 3D printer.
The team also sought some technical assistance from “GOBABYGO!” – a University of Delaware program that helps mobilize children with disabilities.
After two weeks, the wheelchair was ready for Cillian and he took to his new ride immediately.
Our secret is out! For the past few weeks our team dedicated themselves to make a wheel chair for Cillian. We’d like to give a special thank you to Cillian’s parents for reaching out to us and giving us such an amazing opportunity! We’d also like to thank our mentors who helped us get it done right before the holidays! What a terrific way to end our preseason!
Posted by Rogue Robotics - Farmington on Thursday, December 20, 2018
Cillian’s mom was beyond grateful for the robotics team’s efforts.
“This really helps him explore like he’s never been able to do before,” she said.
