However, unlike his peers, he was born with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), and experiences weak muscles and muscle wasting, so he needs medical interventions including use of a wheelchair, a BiPap machine — used to help people with serious breathing problems, and tube feeding. He has a nurse with him both at home and at school. He also needs a handicap-accessible vehicle for safe transportation, but they are an expense that insurance companies won’t take on.

His parents, Mason and Kimberly, have been in search of a handicap-accessible vehicle so they could safely transport him to preschool, to medical appointments and to family outings. However, used accessible vehicles range from $60,000 with new accessible vehicles costing as much as $100,000.

“Griffin’s powerchair is very heavy and built in a way that requires extra clearance for him to be able to enter a van and be safely secured,” said Kimberly Jorgensen. “Unfortunately, the expense of a handicap accessible van is not considered a medical necessity. Therefore, insurance companies do not cover any part of that cost.

Accessible vans are specifically built to accommodate the rider’s needs, and therefore, are quite expensive.”

-Submitted photo
Griffin Jorgensen and his parents, Kimberly and Mason, are hosting a cornhole tournament and benefit on Sunday to help the family purchase a handicap-accessible vehicle that can safely transport Griffin to and from medical appointments and preschool. Griffin was born with congenital muscular dystrophy.

Griffin Jorgensen’s family and friends have been fundraising for a vehicle with lemonade stands, tire fundraisers, and benefits that have raised more than $26,000 toward their goal.

“Prior to having Griffin, our family had no idea the amount of difficulties that people face every single day, just obtaining what an unaffected person would expect for daily living,” said Kimberly Jorgensen. “There are struggles we encounter every day that we never even thought about before because, as able-bodied people, we tend to take things for granted. Things as simple as being able to open a door, walk into a store, use a public restroom, go out of the house to watch a sporting event, or even go to a park. As a society, we tend to assume things are handicap accessible, and we don’t ever have to think about it again. I think public awareness is important when learning to live with or care for someone with a disability. We want people to ask questions and get to know Griffin as so much more than his disability and recognize that although he may do things differently, he still wants the same things that other children want. To be loved and accepted. The community has shown that this is possible.”

The Jorgensen family is hosting a fundraiser from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Amigo’s, 280 N. First St., to raise additional funds to purchase an accessible vehicle. The cornhole tournament and benefit will include a dunk tank with familiar faces like Webster County Engineer Jamie Johll, Webster County Supervisor Mark Campbell, Fort Dodge City Councilman Cameron Nelson, and Fort Dodge Police Chief Dennis Quinn sitting in to be dunked. Same-day registration for the cornhole tournament is also available from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Auction and raffle items include a Brock Purdy-autographed helmet, tickets to a Kansas City Chiefs football game, and a number of home goods and specialty items will be available for the silent and live auction too.

Live music from the Schoon Brothers will begin at 3 p.m. and a bounce house will be available from 1 to 5 p.m.

-Submitted photo
Four-year-old Griffin Jorgensen, of Badger, was born with congenital muscular dystrophy which makes movement and safe travel difficult. Griffin’s family is hosting a benefit on Sunday at Amigos to help offset the cost of purchasing a handicap accessible vehicle.

“Our family wants to thank each and every person that has taken the time to listen to Griffin’s story, learn about his situation, donate to his cause, and that have sent such kind messages,” said Kimberly Jorgensen. “Throughout this process, there have been so many people that have stepped up to help our cause. Most of these people don’t even know us or Griffin and it has been incredible to see the amount of support this community has shown.”

For more information on Griffin’s Going Places or to make a monetary donation, go to GriffinsGoingPlaces.com.