Friendship Christian student Alex Johnson of Lebanon needs votes to win a wheelchair accessible van.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is giving away three wheelchair accessible vehicles to local heroes who receive the most votes during National Mobility Awareness Month in May.
Johnson, 10 year old son of Nathan and Danna Johnson originally from DeKalb County, is entered at www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com. The prize is a van into which Alex could be loaded, wheelchair and all.
To cast your vote for Alex, follow the link below and search DANNA JOHNSON LEBANON, TN and vote for TEAM ALeX. Votes may be submitted daily, so remember to VOTE EACH DAY.
http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/danna-johnson-lebanon-tn/
Alex’s father Nathan is a DeKalb County Graduate Class of 1994, and his mother Danna worked as an Athletic Trainer for DeKalb County High School in the early 2000s. Alex has a brother, Michael. He is also the grandson of former DeKalb County Board of Education Member Mike Johnson and his wife Jeana, both of Smithville.
Alex was born with a rare skeletal disorder called pseudo-rheumatoid chondrodysplasia . Much of the early years were spent seeking answers to his muscle and joint pain. In the beginning Alex was able to use custom braces and a walker to get around, and it was at this time he wanted to run in a 5k race. But of course, he couldn’t “run” so he challenged Greg Armstrong, the Friendship Christian High School Cross Country coach to run with him. The news traveled and even the Nashville News covered the story. They brought a community together and Alex became TEAM ALeX.
The very first race Coach Armstrong pushed him, but Alex wanted to finish on his own. It was an intense yet amazing experience for everyone. Since that time Alex and Coach Armstrong have paired together for many races. The two continue to inspire others and one another. In fact Alex has helped Coach Armstrong educate people on his mission “Run 4 Water”, where he and local teens raise money for a mission trip to build water filtration systems for clean water in Honduras.
In turn, Coach Armstrong has been with Alex as he educates people on being more respectful and conscious of those with disabilities including not staring, pointing, or invading designated areas for those with disabilities. Alex has spoken in chapels, schools, rotary clubs, and other events spreading the word. He touches most everyone he meets with his positiveness and “Never Give Up” attitude. Alex gets involved when he can and he has taken up bowling, kick ball, and recently he participated in skate week at his school. He has a skateboard and a rope where his friends pull him around.
Those around him focus on what Alex can do, not what he can’t do. Alex has made this very easy for everyone. His parents receive numerous comments about the things Alex does for people or how he inspires them. Just recently Alex received a donation of his own customized powered wheelchair. This donation has been a great blessing as he has begun to have difficulty using the manual wheelchair as his joints deteriorate. With the new addition of the chair a vehicle will be needed to accommodate his needs. Alex deserves a life that is not hindered by his limitations but one that is full of opportunities. Have a means of transportation for Alex would not only be appreciated by his family, but by the many he has inspired. Go TEAM ALeX!
Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change the lives of just a few of those triumphing in the face of adversity.
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