Nicholas Fund for Special Education

On November 15, 2014, I'll be participating in the "World's Toughest Mudder", a 24-hour endurance race to raise funds for the Nicholas H. Baker Fund for Special Education (The Nicky Fund).

Society is enriched by diversity and inclusion. The Nicky Fund believes children with neurodevelopmental and physical disabilities deserve exceptional access to meaningful education to grasp their full potential. 

The Nicky Fund, established in 2003 to honor the memory of Nicholas Baker (my cousin), provides grants to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Special Education, and to advocacy organizations working to create opportunities in the community for the disabled.

A beautiful boy with a glint in his eye, Nicky Baker was gone too soon. Born with Williams Syndrome, he passed away suddenly at the age of 22, from cardiovascular disease, symptomatic of the genetic disorder. Though everyday was a challenge, nothing stopped Nicky from actively engaging life. Nicky was a scout, soccer team mascot, snare drummer in his high school band, JROTC cadet, and lover of all things Scottish. We credit Special Education teachers for much of his success, inclusion and self-actualization. 

The Fund's first grantee, Laura Bejm, was Nicky's peer-to-peer counselor in high school. Laura was President of the Senior Class and Class Valedictorian. She chose Special Education as her major in college. Nicky was her inspiration, as well as her driving force as she learned of his death midway through college. Today, Laura teaches special education at the high school level. 

Since 2003, The Nicky Fund has awarded multiple year grants to 12 students who've gone on to become elementary, middle and high school teachers, special education music teachers, and lobbyists for the disabled. These educators and advocates have truly orchestrated a harmony in life for hundreds of exceptional children, with Nicky Baker leading the drum section.

I'm hopeful that the funds raised from the World's Toughest Mudder event will allow us to continue to increase the number of annual grantees and value of each annual grant.