Willpower Foundation Inc

Co-Founder Maria Burke shares WillPower's origin story:

Our son William was born with a rare brain malformation that requires him to use a wheelchair as well as many other pieces of equipment or therapeutic services.  As we have traveled this path, we learned that insurance often only covers portions of these things, or nothing at all.  Our family and friends wanted to help Will, as well as other families who are affected by these challenges in Western Mass.  In 2007, the WillPower Foundation was born to address these issues for families by providing financial support as easily as possible without extensive bureaucracy.

Since then, more than $140,00 has gone to over 300 families for items or services such as battery packs for communcation devices, hippotherapy, specialty summer camp experiences, sensory and behavior therapy and social skills training!

Some testimonials include:

“The WillPower Foundation helped a little boy have success and happiness in a world where development is a challenge. He has made a connection to Luna [while Therapeutic Horseback Riding]. This grant has helped two parents working extra shifts to provide additional out of pocket care for our son, a bit of financial relief. We are so thankful. He is so special to us and we work hard every day to encourage his growth.”

"I am writing to express our family's sincere gratitude for the grant we received this summer for our son. This grant has allowed him the ability to visit many area attractions with the summer program. Each week he looks forward to his 2 days of new adventures with friends. Without this grant he would not have been able to have such an opportunity. Our son's ADHD and ODD can make it difficult to have positive social interaction. The regular school year can prove to be a strict environment that is not always accommodating his need for stimulation. He excels in areas of nature as these day trips have provided him. It not only allows him the contact with the environment but an opportunity to connect with his peers in a comfortable setting. We found the application process simple. I would love to recommend WillPower to others". "I am so grateful for the grant that will provide of  adaptive swim lessons for Freddy while also lifting a financial burden for me.  I would certainly recommend WillPower to any friend or family member in need of such assistance and have already done so.  The application process is quite simple and straight forward.  Thank you so much for choosing us to receive this grant".

"It is very tough having a child with autism.  Economically it's difficult as well.  Many of their needs are not covered by insurance, or you have to travel far distances to get services.  WillPowerhelped us by paying for some sensory therapy that will help my son with his delays and challenges.  You are a blessing…. thank you for caring and making a difference in our lives!"                                                                                  

"I can't begin to express what your donation meant to my daughter. She loved every moment of her therapeutic horseback riding. The camp not only helped her meet her physical goals, but it helped her make significant strides in her confidence. Having Cerebral Palsy can be a burden to her because she sometimes feels different, but camp gave her hope. She told me that she felt "comfortable" at camp.  It is difficult for us to see our daughter struggle with the constant demands of her physical disability. This process gave her so much joy and self-assurance. What a gift! Please know we won't forget your kind gesture. Thank you again."