WESTMORELAND, N.Y.- On Wednesday, October 18, the J-Rob Foundation Inc. visited the Primary Elementary School to educate students on how they support individuals with disabilities.
The J-Rob Foundation, started in May of 2013, is a not for profit that raises money to provide adaptive sporting equipment to children and others with physical disabilities. The organization also funds adaptive sports opportunities for athletes.
Erin Robinson, an employee with the District, stood in a gymnasium full of students alongside her son and Westmoreland Alumni, Jason Robinson who joined the assembly virtually, his brother, Garrett Robinson and Hermin Garic who placed second and third in the Boilermaker Road Race. Hermin and Jason both have physical disabilities that keep them from using their legs, but have proven that won’t stop them.
Erin, Jason, and Hermin spoke to students about their struggles and how the J-Rob Foundation has helped them. Jason told students about his rare congenital spinal disorder and his dependency on wheelchairs and crutches. Eventually, he discovered a love for racing and needed a special wheelchair to compete in the Boilermaker Road Race, a dream he had for a long time. With the help of the Westmoreland School District and community fundraisers, Jason was able to compete in the 2013 Boilermaker. This is what started the J-Rob Foundation. Hermin explained to students how an injury at four years old changed his life forever. He broke his back and severed his spinal cord. They both said that without this adaptive equipment, they wouldn’t have been as successful as they are today. Students were asked to come prepared with a carefully crafted question. They also participated in wheelchair races in the gymnasium.
This assembly was part of the school district’s Adopt-A-Charity initiative which raises awareness and supports organizations in our community.
To donate to the J-Rob Foundation CLICK HERE
To view photo gallery CLICK HERE