13-Year-Old Boy, Josh Burger, Raised Funds For 50 Wheelchairs

As a 4 ½ month old fetus Josh Burger’s parents were encouraged to abort him.  Almost 14 years later Josh has overcome the odds and recently raised enough money to sponsor 50 wheelchairs.  After receiving a special motorized wheelchair from the Rotary Club in Pleasanton, California, Josh was inspired by their kindness and generosity.  He wanted to help others experience the same freedom and mobility that a wheelchair provides.  The Wheelchair Foundation would like to thank Josh and all those who have helped in raising the funds necessary to sponsor 50 wheelchairs.

Below is a question and answer interview with Josh Burger.

1. How did you first hear about the Wheelchair Foundation?

When I went to the White House Christmas Party last year, I met Mrs. Cheryl Barnes, Director of Wheelchair Foundation Washington D.C., and she told me about what the foundation does.

2. What made you want to help raise funds so other people who need wheelchairs could receive them?

The Rotary Club in Pleasanton California gave me an electric wheelchair and it has changed my life. I wanted to help others to experience the same thing.

3. How did you raise the funds? Did you work with individual fundraising, church, social groups or professional groups?

Every summer, our church (Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Pleasanton, CA 94566) sponsors Vacation Bible School for kids ages K-5. We always take on a mission project. This year they wanted to buy soccer balls for needy kids but my mother and I suggested that we raise money for the wheelchairs. They got excited because it made a difference in my life and I would be able to share my story. We also showed the kids one of the videos from the Wheelchair Foundation. I think it really helped the kids realize what we were trying to accomplish.

4. How much did you raise?

$3,750.00

5. When did you raise these funds? Date:

7/12-7/16, 2004

6. How did it make you feel to be able to raise funds so other people could get wheelchairs?

It made me feel really, really happy knowing that it’s going to change the lives of many people.

7. If you had a chance to speak with Mr. Behring, the chairman of the Wheelchair Foundation, what would you like to say to him?

Thank you very much for using your money to help so many people. I think you are pretty special and an awesome man.

8. Do you have plans to work with the Wheelchair Foundation in the future?

Yes. I care about other people who don’t have any wheelchairs.

9. Tell us the story behind your fundraising. What was your original goal, did you meet that goal or surpass the goal?

Our original goal was ten wheelchairs (according to the adults) but I said forty! They thought that was way too big a goal, but I believed. And we got exactly 50!

10. How did other people respond to your efforts to raise money and awareness for wheelchairs?

They were so enthusiastic, especially when I came out on stage in the actual wheelchair.

11. What was the best part of working with the Wheelchair Foundation?

Counting the money. Meeting the staff. Visiting the auto museum was really cool!

12. What would you tell other people who are thinking about working with the Wheelchair Foundation.

Just do it!

For more information about Josh’s life story, please click here.