The History of The Brianna Fund
One Sunday afternoon, Brianna Johnson's parents and Godparents came together
to discuss what could be done to help increase Brianna's access to the community
at large. They needed a van with a wheelchair lift to transport her in her
motorized wheelchair. They determined that they would raise funds to offset the
cost of the lift. But being community-minded folk, they could not conceive of
raising funds for Brianna alone. Not when the there were other families out
there with similar needs and obstacles....So, the Brianna Fund for Children with
Physical Disabilities was born. On October 17, 1998, with a proclamation from
the Mayor declaring it "Brianna Johnson Day" in the City of Springfield, the
very active Steering Committee, driven by by Ronn and Donna Johnson, Frank and
Dora Robinson and Honorary Chair, Harvey Clay kicked-off a grass roots community
effort at greater Springfield Lincoln Mercury on Boston Rd. Because of the
heartwarming support from the community, their fundraising efforts more than
exceeded their expectations the first year. Raising more than $100,000 they made
their first grant during their 1st year of existence, making
the purchase of Brianna's van possible. To date, the fund, which is staffed
entirely by volunteers, has provided grants to 23 families to help purchase
wheelchairs, ramp vans, special equipment and make home modifications to
increase mobility and accessibility.
Mission and
Purpose of the Brianna Fund
The Brianna
Fund was founded in October 1998 to assist children with physical disabilities
by eliminating barriers
of access to community resources. By providing necessary resources to solve pressing mobility issues, children with physical
disabilities can enhance their capacity for living a full and productive life,
and are able to participate in all aspects of community life.
The Brianna Fund is
made up of a dedicated group of
people who, in cooperation with others, want to
create genuine opportunities for children with physical disabilities. We are
committed to assuring that there are resources for children to grow up with
physical, emotional, and social independence.
The families of children from birth to 22 years of age
that have a physical
disability, which specifically relates
to mobility and access are eligible to
receive funding assistance.
The Brianna Fund is operated under the auspices of the Partners for a Healthier Community. This group will assist the Brianna Fund in administering funds to children and their families in the Greater Springfield area.