Specialized Van Needed For Joliet West Senior: GoFundMe

JOLIET, IL — An $80,000 GoFundMe fund-raising effort is underway to help Joliet West High School senior Lawson Sizemore obtain a more reliable means of transportation.

"The type of vehicle required to transport Lawson and his chair must have a strong enough hydraulic lift that consistently functions and handles the lifting, lowering, and tow load of his 400 lb chair," the GoFundMe reads. "The family’s current van is a 2001 and is on its last wheel. The hydraulic unit often malfunctions, and the suspension is beginning to fail. Lawson hopes this will be his last hurdle before the new year arrives. As always, he is prepared to fight, but this situation calls for a collaborative effort and Lawson always welcomes the team experience! With everyone’s help, WE can come together to afford Lawson the van he deserves."

So far, more than $16,000 has been raised for the "Awesome Lawson Lawson's Van Campaign."

The GoFundMe write up indicates that Lawson was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Type II A at a young age, but that has not stopped him. In fact, some of the Joliet West High staff members who have donated toward his GoFundMe call him a remarkable student and one of the great inspirations around the hallways at Joliet West High School.

Mary Fonck wrote: "Lawson- an amazing kid-a joy to see every day in the school cafeteria. We're all cheering for you!!!!!! Joliet West Cafeteria Staff."

David Marco commented: "LAWSON SIZEMORE IS ABSOLUTELY THE FINEST YOUNG MAN THAT I HAVE EVER MET IN MY 36 YEAR CAREER IN EDUCATION. HIS INCREDIBLY POSITIVE ATTITUDE EACH AND EVERY DAY IS AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE WHO IS TRULY BLESSED BY HIS PRESENCE!!!! PLEASE, PLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEART AND DONATE TO THIS INCREDIBLY WORTHY CAUSE!!!! GOD BLESS YOU, ALL!!!!"

According to the GoFundMe, Lawson Sizemore already amassed 650 community service hours through his junior year at Joliet West High School even though the graduation requirement is only 40. He has also coached basketball for the Special Olympics, Troy Middle School, and has been a student manager for the football, basketball, and baseball teams each season.

He is the lead sportswriter and editor for the school newspaper while earning all 19 of his credits and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Upon graduation next spring, he plans to attend the University of Kentucky where he will major in mass communications with a focus in sports broadcasting and sports media journalism.

If you want to donate to the GoFundMe to help Lawson Sizemore purchase a new specialized van, you can do so here.