GoFundMe Campaign Raises Money For Fairfield Teen

FAIRFIELD, CT — Lily Gardiner, a 15-year-old freshman at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, remembers when she first time she met her friend, Chad Chlebowski, 14, who has ailments that confine him to a motorized wheelchair.

"I had a very tough time going to school, and an even harder time staying happy while I was there," Gardiner told Patch about her rough time dating back to kindergarten. "As soon as I met Chad, his presence and his familiar face made it feel easier to go to school. Knowing I had someone to look forward to seeing was something that helped me so much."

The two have remained close friends ever since, and Gardiner decided this week to launch a GoFundMe campaign to assist Chlebowski.

He recently received a new wheelchair, but the size and weight of it means he can no longer use the lift at his home, or the smaller vehicle that he rides in.

So, Gardiner launched the campaign to raise money to go toward a new lift and vehicle. As of Wednesday, the effort had raised more than $8,200 toward a goal of $10,000, though Gardiner admits she really did not know how much to seek.

"Although I have no idea how much to raise, no contribution is too small! (or too big!!)," she wrote.

The GoFundMe effort has only been active for a couple of days, and Gardiner is surprised and grateful for the positive response from fellow students, friends, family and teachers.

"He's really excited about it," Gardiner said. "Knowing so many people are helping him, it's really special."

The friendship has given Gardiner a lot, and the campaign has helped to put things into perspective for Gardiner.

"Being aware of what you have, and using all of your power to give back to others, it's so important," she said. "Chad is always in a good mood, and always the best version of himself. That's taught me a lot."

Click here to view the GoFundMe campaign for Chad Chlebowski.

Editor's note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.