Phoenixville Community Rallies Around Teen With Cerebral Palsy

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- The Phoenixville community is rallying around a student with cerebral palsy who has been an inspiration for the region and the nation.

Just less than three years ago, then 16-year-old Dillan McCants, a Phoenixville Area High School student with cerebral palsy, earned a varsity letter in track when he walked 30 feet to complete race.

The powerful moment earned Dillan coverage from national media, including a spot on ESPN.

Now, the school district's Youth and Philanthropy Club is working with a local nonprofit to build a wheelchair ramp for Dillan.

The nonprofit is the Rachel Melvin Foundation, established in memory of a "selfless and loving" girl who was taken too soon. According to organizers, "the goal of the Foundation is to provide relief from the emotional, physical, and financial impact to children and their families that result from fighting chronic illnesses."

The Foundation is making the construction of the wheelchair ramp their new goal. They are holding a spaghetti dinner at the high school cafeteria on Feb. 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to raise funds. Tickets are $10 per person and $5 for seniors, veterans, and children 10 and under.

To learn more about the Foundation and to donate, see the GoFundMe page here. The Foundation requests that donors note in the comments if their donations was made specifically for the McCants family and the wheelchair project.

Image via Youtube screenshot