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Young boy receives the gift of restored mobility

On Tuesday, a student at East Side Intermediate School received a very unexpected gift, now he is riding with chin held high as he cruises the halls.

Phillip Taborn, a 10 year old fifth grader at the school who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age received his very own electric wheelchair Tuesday in the cafeteria of the East Side Intermediate School.

"Phillip is an awesome kid and doesn't let his handicap affect him," said Jason Roper, teacher at the school. "This will help him be more mobile, not having to worry about someone pushing him, he will be more independent."

Taborn was diagnosed when he was 3 years old and started out very mobile, it has only been about a year since he has been unable to walk and a wheelchair became necessary.

Jason Kasian, member of First Christian Church in Eldorado reached out to Roper about any needs for students at the school, Roper shared Phillips story with him.

Kasian then contacted the church's mission group, Gateway Community Development Initiative.

The group in affiliation with First Christian Church, Jimmy Jack Sisk, Southeastern Illinois Community Health Coalition, and Becks Drugs of Eldorado came together to secure the $2500 powered wheelchair to donate to Taborn.

Taborn's aid, Michelle Mays, has worked with Taborn a long time. She helps keep him on track during the day while challenging him to push forward. Taborn says that she doesn't put up with guff.

"She had to push him everywhere," said Lisa Rountree, Physical Therapist. "This will allow him to be more independent with his friends on the playground and in the halls, Phillip is a very social guy."

Rountree and her assistant, Annette Gass visit Taborn once a week and see to it that he stays in the best shape possible.

"He wouldn't be where he is without Michelle, his parents, and his teachers," Gass said.

Phillip and his mother, Dina Ward (who could not be present) would like to tell everyone involved "Thank you."