Williams Syndrome Family of Hope foundation benefits from old vehicle donations

Williams Syndrome Family of Hope foundation benefits from old vehicle donations

Heʼs five years old, non- verbal right now, but he is learning some words. A few years ago he went into cardiac arrest at the Augusta Medical Center.

Thatʼs what clued doctors into the fact that little Dawson Bedore was not a typical baby.

“They decided to do genetic testing. Thatʼs when they found out he has Williams syndrome,” said his mom Kelley.

Itʼs not a disease. Dawson canʼt pass it to someone else. Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of a small segment of the long arm of chromosome 7. It occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 births. WS is characterized by mild to severe medical difficulties, including cardiac abnormalities, mild to moderate developmental delays, a distinctive facial appearance and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety.

Dawson doesnʼt have the elf-like facial features, which is why the doctors didnʼt immediately notice something needed to be checked, Mrs. Bedore said. But everything else, thatʼs Dawson.

“He is very friendly. He doesnʼt know a stranger. He loves to hug and loves to laugh,” she said.

Dawson, like other people who suffer from this genetic disorder, also called Williams-Beuren syndrome, often need help in coping with the realities of life, but they can do it with the right kind of support.

Thatʼs where the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope Inc., www.wsfamilyofhope.org/, comes in. Based in Tifton, GA, the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope is committed to helping people with Williams syndrome and their families. The organization offers financial assistance, support, guidance, links to counseling and other resources. The group also works to increase public awareness of Williams syndrome.

“Our mission is families helping families with Williams syndrome,” Mrs. Bedore said.

AutoWranglers, www.autowranglers.com, has teamed with the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope to raise money to further this important work. Anyone can donate an old car, truck, RV, motorcycle or ATV to the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope through AutoWranglers. AutoWranglers will buy the old ride and deliver a check to the Williams Syndrome Families of Hope, often within 24 hours.

“You just call us. We take care of the rest,” said Barry Barbee, AutoWranglers president. “Tell us what you have and where it is. Weʼll come pick it up and the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope will get a check the same day we pick up the old car. You get rid of a hunk of junk and the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope gets money to help families in need.”

Mrs. Bedore said money from the sale of old cars will be used for financial help for WS families.

“Families just have to fill out an application,” she said. The Hope Assistance Program provides financial assistance in getting necessary medical treatment, testing, medication assistance, therapeutic, recreational and educational therapies, support resources, medical equipment and travel assistance for individuals with Williams syndrome.

For more information on Williams syndrome, visit www.wsfamilyofhope.org.

For more information on how to donate your old vehicle to support the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope, visit www.autowranglers.com/donate/wsfamilyofhope or contact Barbee at Barry.Barbee@autowranglers.com, 877-845-7378.