We get that question a lot. Our stock answer is that “We buy adaptive equipment for kids to participate in sports”, or something similar that is quick and literal. Although that answer is efficient, it does not seem adequate, and we have been trying to do a better job of describing our mission.
At the WI State track meet this year, one of our athletes, Megan, was interviewed by a local reporter, and was asked why she got into wheelchair sports after being diagnosed with a degenerative disease in middle school. “Mentally, I was just kind of in a slump,” she said. “I was kind of sad, upset and just mad because I lost gymnastics, which was my passion.” She added that since starting in adaptive sports (she also plays wheelchair basketball) “I’ve been so much better and I’ve been happier,” she said. “I’ve low-key been a nicer person as well, because I’m not so angry at everyone.” Megan was an eye-opener for us because she said something important better than we ever had. Paul’s Party is not like Make-a-Wish in that we don’t make kids dreams come true by providing an experience or an adventure or a gift. Paul’s Party provides something for kids to work on.
If you can recall a time in your life when you were in a dark place, having something to work on can make all the difference in the world. Taking control of something, or anything, can be the catalyst for transition from despair to hope. With Paul, doing sports was what kept him going sometimes. Waiting interminable hours for an operating room to open could be filled by talking about the next track meet. Hockey Coach Brad had an idea that it was good for Paul to play hockey, but I wonder if he really knew how important it was for Paul to have a hockey game to plan for. At night, when prepping for sleep, thoughts and discussions were about upcoming sports events instead of illness or hospitals.
It works for the parents also, at least it did for us. Having our kids participate in sports fills a lot of voids. Meeting other parents who were struggling with some of the same issues, like during some of those long weekend tournaments, is a valuable resource. But mostly, just having your kid, who is perpetually excluded from life, participating in a team sport with their peers is invaluable for them and us. Sitting on the couch playing with the phone is a great way to kill time but was a terrible way to improve Paul’s mood. At Paul’s Party, we feel that sports are actually more important for a handicapped kid than for anyone else.
One other point is that Kathie and I were in a pretty dark place in 2018 when we started this whole thing. Paul’s Party didn’t just help disabled kids, their families, and their communities, it also helped pull us out of a funk. And every August, when a really crappy anniversaries rolls around for us, it helps us again and again to have the whole Paul’s Party family pulling together – athletes, parents, volunteers, musicians, and even the breweries. It moves us forward and out of the darkness. Paulpalooza is this Sunday and it is the one event each year that gives us a chance to show off our athletes, our equipment and our work. I hope that you will join us.