Helping a Hero

By Ryan Christensen

The three Welliver children honor their mother, Maggi, as a hero. For the past twenty years she has lived with Multiple Sclerosis, but has not let the disease weaken her spirits or keep her from being involved in life.

“She is just an amazing woman. She has never given up; she has always had a positive mental attitude,” said Sarah Welliver, daughter and event organizer. “Anyone that is around her, she puts a smile on their face, and makes them feel like the most important person in the world,” said Sarah.

MS has confined her to a wheelchair for the past five years as she is without motor skills on the right side of her body. MS is a degenerative disease that attacks myelin, the protective coating on nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Symptoms of MS include fatigue, walking balance and coordination problems, and possibly a loss of control on a wide range of normal bodily functions.

Despite these challenges Welliver has continued working as a librarian at Crescent View Middle School, and as a receptionist at the Artistic Dance Studio in Draper. She has astounded her family and friends with her determination.

Her children are stepping up to help improve their mother’s life through an event they call “Imagine Making it Happen.” “Our goal for this event is just over $23,000 and all of the money will go to help pay for the chair,” said Sarah. The chair is a new state-of-the-art wheelchair, the iBot.

The iBot’s advanced technology will allow Welliver new opportunities and abilities. Way beyond the standard functions of a conventional powered wheelchair, the iBot also has the ability to safely go up and down stairs, go “off road” on uneven terrain, and an impressive ‘balance mode’ that elevates the chair up to eye level, allowing more normal interaction with others, and allows users to reach countertops or shelves.

“She will be able to raise up to reach books, and get through the snow,” said Sarah. “She got stuck in a parking lot earlier this year at work, and there was no one around to help her. She will also be able to walk into someone’s home that isn’t typically handicap accessible, for example when visiting friends,” continues Sarah.

The fundraising event is a 5K run/walk scheduled for June 7, 2008 at Draper Park. There will also be live entertainment including singing and dancing performances at the park and a raffle and auction after the race.

The Welliver’s have a favorite family quote: “Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.” “Maggi has given so much to everyone else and has never asked for anything in return. It’s her turn to get something back from the people that mean the most to her, something that will change her life,” said Sarah.

Pre-registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race beings at 8:00 a.m. Event location is 1300 East and Pioneer Road in the North East section of Draper Park by basketball courts.

Donations can also be made at any Wells Fargo bank, under the account name “Imagine”. For more information on the event contact Sarah Welliver at sarahwelliver@gmail.com