Every Child Deserves a Chance
The mission of Evie Adapts is to help children with disabilities connect to the world one adaptation at a time.
Our Vision
Inspired by the outpouring of love and support Evie received, we envision other children facing their own unique challenges receiving the help they need to conquer their world, one adaptation at a time.
Our Story
Inspired by Evie Harper and her struggles to overcome the tremendous challenges in her everyday world. We began Evie Adapts as a way to help her achieve more independence and acceptance. This grew into a bigger calling quickly. We saw the need for the tools for children to gain a sense of belonging was not unique to Evie and that there are many children in need.
Evie Adapts is now fully established and in a position to begin taking applications from families in need who seek to give their children the boost they need to overcome the challenges they face daily and gain the acceptance and freedom they so desire.
Below are just a few examples of ways we are able to help children connect to the world:
- Adaptive Equipment (bikes, chairs, swings…)
- Sensory Equipment (lights, bubble tubes, weighted blanket…)
- Electronics (noise canceling headphones, iPads…)
- Therapy intensives
- Car Seats
A little bit more about Evie Harper and her family…
The Harper family is humble, long suffering, and carries on with a smile. Day in and day out, Lindsey, Evie’s mom, cares for Evie’s every need. Jason, Evie’s dad, toils away at work, but always has Evie and Lindsey on his mind. Beyond their control, Evie was born with Phelan McDermid Syndrome AKA 22Q13 Deletion Syndrome, for those of you who are wondering what that means, she was born seven years ago with a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of part of her 22nd chromosome. As a result, she does not speak, crawl, walk, or talk. Her daily routine is often interrupted by seizures and her lack of muscle development prevents her from enjoying many of the simple, basic, and fun enjoyments life has to offer.
One of Evie’s favorite things in the world is going for a ride in the van. She loves it! She and her mom go for rides just for fun and when she’s having a hard day and can’t settle, a van ride typically does the trick to calm her and help her get back to her happy place. Things Evie enjoys are very limited due to her syndrome and how it affects every aspect of her body and mind. So to have this, a simple van ride, is something they are so thankful for. Lately, going for rides has been limited to necessary trips only, such as to therapists and doctors because it’s getting so hard and dangerous for Lindsey to get Evie in and out of the van.
Because Evie gets so excited to go for a ride, Lindsey must hold on tight because she thrusts and flaps her legs so hard in excitement. She will also try to throw her whole body toward the van because she is ready to get in. Lindsey then has to lift her up and over into her car seat. Oftentimes, she will arch her back and extend her body to a backward “U” shape and push backward with all of her might while Lindsey is trying to get her in the seat. Lindsey has to keep holding on strong, so she doesn’t drop her before she can hoist Evie into the car seat. Once Evie is in her car seat, she grabs different parts of the seat and pulls herself forward or will try to throw herself over the side. As a result, for Lindsey, or anyone helping Evie in her seat, it has become super tricky and stressful. Of course, Evie does not yet have a sense of danger or fear or understanding of getting hurt. So, it does not click in her brain that if she throws herself out of the seat, she’ll be hurt. Once she is securely in the van, Lindsey needs to load up her 50 pound wheelchair in the back. Once they’re at their destination, the whole process begins again. This is why the Harpers don’t do extra things. They are limited to just the necessities. Soon, and I mean soon, Lindsey will not be able to get her in the van by herself for Evie’s necessary medical and therapy appointments.
Having a wheelchair accessible van will keep Evie on the move and open up so much more opportunity for her to see the world. And by world, I mean the things we all take for granted. Things like going inside a store to shop and see things and see people outside of her circle.
After just six weeks of fundraising through GoFundMe we were successful raising over $80,000 towards a new wheelchair accessible van for Evie and the Harper family. Due to the overwhelming support and even more urgent need, the Harpers and Trademark Roofing felt there was an opportunity to do more to help families in similar situations. Less than a year later, Evie Adapts was officially established as a 501C3 Non Profit through the state of Florida, with the purpose of helping families affected by accessibility issues. Through an application process to determine need, Evie Adapts will help families adapt, thrive, and belong.
Ready to Apply?
Begin by submitting our online application form. After you submit we will get back to you within 3-5 business days.
Begin our online application process.
After you submit a report, we will call you within 3-5 business days. Together, we will:
2. Discuss whether the income and resources of the household are within the allowed limits.
We will contact each applicant individually with our final decision.
Ready to Apply?
Begin by submitting our online application form. After you submit we will get back to you within 3-5 business days.
Begin the Application Online Apply By Phone
After you submit a report, we will call you within 3-5 business days. Together, we will:
1. Review the completed Child Disability Report.
2. Discuss whether the income and resources of the household are within the allowed limits.
3. Start the SSI application process.
Get Involved
The cost of caring for a child who has a disability can be overwhelming, but we’re trying to help children with disabilities connect to the world one adaptation at a time. If you would like to get involved and help us carry out this important mission, please donate today and change a child’s life for the better.
Thank you for visiting.
If you haven’t found what you are looking for, or you are interested to get involved, simply drop us a line and let us help.
