To answer the second question, "Where did you get these friends?" Kevan is investing his energy in offering friendship and connection to the people who receive backpacks - and in the spirit that defined his Europe trip, he invites others to help him. The board, staff, and volunteers of WCK seek to foster a culture of creative accessibility by collaborating with families with disabilities around the world. They do this by sharing Kevan's story as encouragement and inspiration, distributing the backpacks, traveling to visit people in their homes and communities, and having ongoing conversations about new or alternative ideas for customized access. "For us, it was not just a backpack; it was like a relationship was started," says Santiago de las Carreras, a man in Argentina who purchased the backpack to carry his wife on their honeymoon trip. "We feel like family." As this family and community of We Carry Kevan continue to grow, Kevan keeps in mind the story in Luke 5 that started it all: "[People with disabilities and their families] have stood 'outside the house,' knowing that something great was in there, whether they realize it is Jesus or not, and they needed someone to tear the roof off. The Lord has given us at least one way to do that and be a part of their lives. It's not just that we give them a backpack, but we answer that second question by saying, 'We'll be your friend! We'll carry you onto the roof, and we'll lower you down!'"Kevan has experienced the love of Jesus through the compassion and creativity of his friends, and his prayer is that through WCK, others will know that they are seen and loved and that they will have access to the forgiveness and healing of Jesus, too. You can contribute to the work of We Carry Kevan by becoming a member, sponsoring a cause, or giving a one-time donation. If you or someone you know could benefit from the WCK Backpack, you can learn about it and order it on the WCK Shop page.
Connie Chandler Connie Chandler is Kevan's sister and is also diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is honored to serve as the Director of Family Engagement at We Carry Kevan.
January/February 2023 | 13
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