Local teenager will receive new mobility chair from $14,634 in donations
Published 1:00 pm Thursday, November 30, 2023
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For 13-year-old Riven Adams, a motor vehicle accident on May 1, 2020 changed his life when he sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Riven’s mother Bronwyn Bell-Adams set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to be put towards a new action trackchair. Donations were successful as a total of $14,634 was collected.
The chair will have a camouflage design specifically customized for Riven. It is expected to arrive in approximately eight weeks.
“You people are amazing. We have reached our goal and are grateful beyond words and feel so very loved and supported. Peace be with you all. Please know that you have our deepest thanks,” Bell-Adams said.
Until the accident, Riven played in the Straughn Peewee Football Club and was also a member of the basketball, soccer, and swim teams. He was only 9 years old at the time of the accident.
“Today, Riven is a 13-year-old warrior. He has an incredible spirit that shines through in everything that he does. He does not give up and does not back down. He loves to laugh with his friends, spend time with his dogs, and do anything outside. He loves to fish, is a tenacious hunter, and loves exploring the outdoors with his family and dogs.”
Bell-Adams added that he recently had the opportunity to test drive his new chair.
“It was simply amazing to see him on his chair. He was able to drive most of the property and explore places he has not been able to traverse since the accident. He stood eye to eye with his best buddy and his momma. The chair will enable him to have the freedom of exploring the woods and doing outside things he enjoys with his family and friends. He will have access to many more activities with this chair and the independence to enjoy the outdoors. This chair will provide him with opportunities that have been very limited. It will give him wings.”
Action Trackchair is based in Marshall, Minnesota, with dealers located in all 50 states and around the world. Joey Blackburn of Brewton serves as the dealer for both Florida and Alabama and uses both the ST and TR model in his everyday life.
“This firsthand knowledge helps me know how to best guide customers in choosing the product that is best for their needs. My favorite part about being an Action Trackchair dealer is getting people with disabilities outdoors with their friends and families knowing that they will not get stuck. Florbama takes care of the customer, no matter what it takes. I don’t mind traveling to the customer, whether for service or a trial of the chair. I believe in the product because it has changed my life, and I want to give others the same experience and opportunities. The core values that Florbama holds to the highest standard are work ethic, honesty, and making a difference. Hard work pays off,” Blackburn said.
Riven is the son of Andy and Bronwyn Bell-Adams and grandson of Margo Russell. He has five siblings: Tindell, Tina, Andrew, Roan, and Logan.