Strangers Pay It Forward By Helping Out 8 Year-Old Boy and His Mother
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: December 7, 2012
Several men and women in Abilene are joining together to help an eight year old child.
Braiden Murphy has cerebral palsy, making it difficult for him to move around without a van or a wheelchair ramp.
However, now, a group of strangers have joined the very special cause to help Braiden.
"He's always happy hes a joy to be around," said Marci Murphy, Braiden's mother.
The eight year-old has always been in a wheelchair.
He can't walk, talk or really communicate, except for contagious smile.
"We're kind of just doing it together, trudging along and getting it done," said Murphy, whose raised Braiden on her own with the help of her mother.
Murphy is growing rather quickly which is becoming another thing for his mom to worry about.
"It will probably only be a few more years that ill be able to pick him up and carry him around and pick him up and rock him," she said.
Transporting Braiden isn't just getting harder for his mom, but for his nurse as well.
"Its a chore, but you do what you can," said J.R. who takes care of him while Braiden's mother goes to school full time at Hardin Simmons Univ. to study physical therapy.
But they're prayers for a more wheelchair friendly car may soon be answered by a group of strangers.
"The first though in my head is thats our jobs as Christians," said Kristi Grissom, who heard of Braiden's need and decided to help out.
They've joined forces to help buy Braiden a van.
They'll be holding a few fundraisers to help cover the costs.
None of them know him personally, but they didn't have to think twice about helping.
"We're supposed to helping each other when people are in need, try to help," said Mike Grissom.
"He's a good kiddo and I figured, if he needed it we could help," said John Ritzel, whose helping organize a car show to raise funds toward buying Braiden a wheelchair accessible van.
"I haven't told them yet , but I would just tell them that from the bottom of our heart were so grateful," said Murphy.
Because they've already grown to love Braiden just as if he were family.
There will be a benefit car show for Braiden Sat. Dec. 8 at the Honda of Abilene parking lot.
Proceeds from the event will go toward paying for the van that the Grissom's have already put a down payment on.
Registration for the car show begins at 9 a.m.
There is a $20 entry fee.
Braiden Murphy has cerebral palsy, making it difficult for him to move around without a van or a wheelchair ramp.
However, now, a group of strangers have joined the very special cause to help Braiden.
"He's always happy hes a joy to be around," said Marci Murphy, Braiden's mother.
The eight year-old has always been in a wheelchair.
He can't walk, talk or really communicate, except for contagious smile.
"We're kind of just doing it together, trudging along and getting it done," said Murphy, whose raised Braiden on her own with the help of her mother.
Murphy is growing rather quickly which is becoming another thing for his mom to worry about.
"It will probably only be a few more years that ill be able to pick him up and carry him around and pick him up and rock him," she said.
Transporting Braiden isn't just getting harder for his mom, but for his nurse as well.
"Its a chore, but you do what you can," said J.R. who takes care of him while Braiden's mother goes to school full time at Hardin Simmons Univ. to study physical therapy.
But they're prayers for a more wheelchair friendly car may soon be answered by a group of strangers.
"The first though in my head is thats our jobs as Christians," said Kristi Grissom, who heard of Braiden's need and decided to help out.
They've joined forces to help buy Braiden a van.
They'll be holding a few fundraisers to help cover the costs.
None of them know him personally, but they didn't have to think twice about helping.
"We're supposed to helping each other when people are in need, try to help," said Mike Grissom.
"He's a good kiddo and I figured, if he needed it we could help," said John Ritzel, whose helping organize a car show to raise funds toward buying Braiden a wheelchair accessible van.
"I haven't told them yet , but I would just tell them that from the bottom of our heart were so grateful," said Murphy.
Because they've already grown to love Braiden just as if he were family.
There will be a benefit car show for Braiden Sat. Dec. 8 at the Honda of Abilene parking lot.
Proceeds from the event will go toward paying for the van that the Grissom's have already put a down payment on.
Registration for the car show begins at 9 a.m.
There is a $20 entry fee.
