We are thrilled to introduce MJ as one of our newest, and one of the youngest, Faces of ABLE.
MJ is a remarkable five-year-old with a vibrant personality and an amazing spirit that shines through, despite the challenges he faces daily.
MJ was born with a genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), often called brittle bone disease. This condition makes his bones extremely fragile, causing them to break from activities as simple as hiccups, reaching for a toy, crawling, rolling over in bed, or being accidentally bumped. In his short life, MJ has endured over 40 broken bones. Yet his resilience is nothing short of inspiring. MJ is incredibly smart, funny and outgoing, with a larger-than-life personality that exudes happiness wherever he goes.
MJ’s journey with ABLE United began when his mother, part of a supportive community of parents with children who have OI, learned about ABLE United through a Facebook group. This discovery opened new doors for MJ’s family, providing them with opportunities to secure his future in ways that were previously challenging.
MJ’s family uses his ABLE United account to save for his future needs, aiming to enhance his life by making it more accessible. Whether it’s for a car or adapting his home to better suit his needs, the account provides a crucial resource for planning ahead.
For MJ’s family, the ability to save without jeopardizing his Medicaid benefits is invaluable. Before MJ was approved for Medicaid, his family faced the daunting financial burden of paying for his numerous specialist visits out of pocket — up to 16 appointments or more a month. Now, the ABLE United account is a beacon of hope, allowing them to set aside funds to ensure MJ has access to everything he needs for a successful and fulfilling life.
While MJ’s family focuses on the present and the immediate future, including the significant milestone of starting kindergarten in August, they hold on to hope for what lies ahead. The transition to school will be a big adjustment for MJ and his household, though his family is dedicated to doing everything they can now to ensure MJ’s future success — mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially.
MJ’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support and financial planning.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Faces of ABLE series, as we continue to celebrate the incredible individuals and families who make up our community.
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