Car Wash Fundraiser for Windham Teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Saint Matthew Parish will hold a car wash on Saturday July 23 to fundraise for Connor Mullaly, a Windham teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Autism. DMD is a fatal muscle wasting disease and Connor is at a point of transitioning from ambulatory (walking) to non-ambulatory (full time wheelchair).
Kira Mullaly, Connor’s mother, describes her son as an “inquisitive, talkative 14-year-old that has many moments of pure joy.” As his condition worsens, however, Connor experiences challenges and frustration trying to understand what is happening to his body. “This is when we think Autism is both a blessing and a curse. We are glad he does not fully understand DMD, but we also can’t make him understand there isn’t anything we can do to fix him,” she explained.
Trying to adapt their home and equipment to give Connor the best possible care has been a challenge. Kira shared how they were able to get one new wheelchair for Connor, but that insurance can only help so much. “We’re trying to figure out all of these next steps that we hadn’t anticipated,” said Kira. While Connor continues to learn how to navigate his new wheelchair, his parents are working to adapt a van and their home.
The Mullaly family had a Go Fund Me set up to raise money for a van that could be modified for Connor’s wheelchair. They ordered a van, and it was supposed to take six to nine months, but they had not heard anything since February. “We found a van in Kentucky, so my husband went out there to drive it home,” said Kira. Financing the van and other long-term expenses is an ongoing process, but the family is grateful for all of the support from the community to get Connor the care he needs. “We weren’t expecting how wonderful and generous people would be, I wish I could thank each person for their kindness,” said Kira.
Connor, age 14, will begin his freshman year at Windham High School this coming fall. During the eighth-grade promotion ceremony at Windham Middle School, Connor surprised the crowd by getting up out of his wheelchair to walk across the stage. Despite being asked to hold their applause until all of the students had walked, the crowd erupted in cheers to celebrate Connor. “It was a beautiful moment, and he was really proud of himself,” said Kira. Knowing that next time Connor graduates he unfortunately will not be able to walk across the stage, his mother shared that memories like these are especially meaningful.
Saint Matthew Parish is excited to host a carwash fundraiser to help Connor and his family focus their energy on more special moments together. The car wash will be from 9-11 am on July 23 in the parking lot at the Church, which is located at 2 Searles Rd in Windham. Connor and his family are looking forward being present to thank the community for their generosity.