The Mocha Cruisers Shriners Club keeps on giving to the Kilidjian-Mott family.
Young Ethan Kilidjian, who suffered brain trauma at birth and has cerebral palsy, smiles in appreciation for all the Cruisers have done for him.
Most recently, the club donated a $5,000 specialized and adaptable chair for the Chatham lad.
The funding for the chair came from a 50/50 draw the Mocha Cruisers had through the winter.
The chair follows a specialized $2,000 bed the club gave the family last fall.
Rob Kilidjian, Ethan’s father, said the support is greatly appreciated.
Bill Lockhart of the Mocha Cruisers said the 50/50 fundraisers kicked into gear right after the donation of the bed.
“The sole purpose was to get enough money to buy the chair,” he said of the draw.
Cruiser member Jim Creasey said the organization sold nearly 12,000 tickets.
The chair is designed to grow with Ethan and to provide him with continued support.
Rob said it replaces a very well worn children’s recliner he and his wife Heather Mott used for Ethan.
“Years ago, we bought a kid’s recliner and put casters on it. But there was no support. Ethan has scoliosis,” Rob said.
On Friday, Ethan settled comfortably into his new chair. He wasn’t they only one smiling in the house.
“This chair, you’ll see the difference,” Rob said. “He’ll smile.”
For Ethan, facial expressions are his means of communication. That smile says it all.
Heather said the chair will grow with Ethan for years to come.
“This is a 10-12-year chair,” she said. “It will grow with him into adulthood. It’s beautiful.”
Hearing those words, Lockhart grinned.
“That’s what we’re here for.”
Rob said the effort is greatly appreciated.
“If it wasn’t for you guys…” he said. “Everybody’s been so helpful. Our thanks go out to everybody who supported this and bought tickets.”
