Foundation seeks to help people with disabilities get outside

Most people take for granted a walk on the sand or a hike on a trail. But people with mobility issues face roadblocks that can prohibit those activities.

That was the case for Sara and Matt Carter of Lewes as they struggled for ways to help Sara's son, Mason, get outdoors to enjoy shared family adventures.

Generous donations helped Sara enhance the life of her now 10-year-old son, who uses a wheelchair as a result of NGLY1, an extremely rare genetic disorder. He was only the 17th child in the world diagnosed with the disorder.

Donations have helped the blended, active outdoor family of six purchase a beach wheelchair and bike trailer/stroller for easier access to the beach and trails. “We have created so many wonderful memories because of those generous donations. These people changed our lives, and we could never repay them or say thank you enough so they truly understand the impact of their giving. We wanted to do for others as so many have done for us,” Sara said.

Now, Sara wants to pay that effort forward through Mason's Mobility Mission, a nonprofit organization to raise funds to purchase outdoor access equipment to be donated to the City of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.

She also wants to raise funds to help purchase more beach-access mats.

“Our focus is on giving back to others so we can open up the world of recreational activities to all people,” Sara said.

Matt, owner of Quest Adventures in Lewes, lends the beach wheelchair at no cost to his customers. He asks for donations to Grace Science Foundation, which is dedicated to research on the disorder.

Sara said beach wheelchairs cost from $2,300 to $3,000, bike trailers from $1,000 to $2,000 and beach-access mats from $1,600 to $4,300.

Her goal is to raise enough money by the end of the year to purchase at least one beach wheelchair.

“Many of us go through life not worrying about participating in or accessing outdoor adventures,” Sara said. “Unfortunately, people who face physical or mobility challenges are limited in their ability to enjoy these things. We are working to change that through Mason's Mobility Mission.”

The couple pushed Mason in a jogging stroller during the Dec. 7 Rehoboth Marathon. “We wanted to draw attention to children with special needs,” Sara said.

They plan to have a benefit 5K run in the spring to raise funds for the foundation.

To donate or get more information, go to www.masonsmobilitymission.org or phone 302-313-1154.