New Fundraiser, School, the Zoo, and Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

Upcoming Fundraiser

As some of you may recall, back in November of 2015, Stacy, James, and I were invited to speak to a freshman class at the College where I work about James and all of his struggles. A couple of the girls in that class were so inspired by our story that they decided to start a new student organization, Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), and wanted us to be the beneficiaries of their first fundraising event. Their first couple of ideas did not receive approval from the College, but their latest idea looks like it’s a go.

Mark your calendars for September 10th for the James and the Chocolate Factory Hot Chocolate Walk. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1537047993019116 or www.jameswalk.com. If you’re local, come out and join us.

 

A poster titled “James and the Chocolate Factory” features a family portrait of Stacy, James, and Jeff labeled as the Fulkerson family. The poster introduces James, an eight‑year‑old boy, and shares information about his medical needs and daily challenges. It also highlights his parents and their roles. Details about a fundraising event called the Hot Chocolate Walk are listed, including the date, location, treats offered, and registration website. Sponsor logos appear along the bottom.
Flyer for our upcoming Hot Chocolate Walk fundraiser

 

School

A couple of weeks ago James had a “case of the Mondays” and didn’t feel like going to school, so Stacy sent Spiderman to school in his place:

 

James sitting in his wheelchair wearing a red Spider‑Man hoodie with the hood pulled down over his face, the printed white eye shapes covering their eyes while their mouth remains visible. The setting appears to be a home interior with light wood floors, a hallway, a small table with baskets and flowers, and a patterned rug in the background. The overall moment feels lighthearted and cozy, capturing a playful disguise.
Spiderman went to school in James’ place

 

On Wednesday of that same week, he had a field trip to a local nature center. Stacy had a little bit of time to kill in between dog walks and decided to stop by and spy on him.

 

An outdoor park area is shown with a wooden fence in the foreground, blossoming trees, and people gathered near playground equipment. A handwritten blue arrow points toward a child inside the fenced area, with the name “James” written beside it. The scene feels casual and springlike, capturing a moment of identifying him within a larger group.
Stacy spying on James

 

After a few minutes of watching from a distance she decided to pop in briefly to snap a couple of pics.

 

A large wooden entrance sign shaped with a bison silhouette reads “Bison’s Bluff.” Beneath it, James in a red jacket and matching red cap sits in a wheelchair on a paved path. Other visitors and a couple of strollers are visible farther down the walkway. Bare trees and a cloudy sky set a cool, quiet outdoor atmosphere.
James at the nature center field trip

 

Outdoors on a wood‑chip surface, James in a wheelchair wearing a red Spider‑Man hat, patterned neck pillow, and black pants holds a mallet and plays a large xylophone‑style instrument with beige bars mounted on a brown frame. Someone in a green shirt stands beside them, offering support. Greenery fills the background, giving the scene a warm, inclusive, activity‑focused feel.
Playing the xylophone with his one-on-one nurse at the nature center

 

Last Week was Teacher Appreciation week and Stacy sent James’ teacher gifts every day that week.

Monday:

On a patterned surface with red squiggly lines, a small handwritten note sits beside a pack of green Extra spearmint gum. The note reads “You are EXTRA special to me!” with the word “EXTRA” highlighted in blue and a small drawing of a gum pack next to it. The real gum pack lies to the right, tying the message and the pun together in a warm, playful way.
You are EXTRA special to me!

 

Tuesday:

A hand holds a bottle of Lipton Diet Green Citrus tea. A white note with decorative edges is tied to the bottle with a pink ribbon. The note reads “I LOVE MY TEACHER” in bold letters, with a child’s name written underneath. The background shows a red couch, beige carpet, and a few household items, giving the moment a cozy, home‑made feel.
I LOVE MY TEACHER

 

Wednesday:

Several packages of fudge brownie mix are stacked together. On the front of one package, a pink Valentine‑style card is attached. The card has a heart with an arrow through it and reads, “I’m shooting for brownie points! Love, James, 2017.” The brownie mix packaging shows details like “Fudge Brownie Mix,” “Made with Dutch Cocoa,” and “Makes 8×8 Pan.” The overall feel is playful and gift‑like, combining a pun with a simple treat.
I’m shooting for brownie points!

 

Thursday:

On a light surface, lip balm is tucked into a small striped fabric cover in blue, gray, and white. A scalloped‑edge brown tag is attached with a small green ring. The tag reads “happy teacher appreciation you’re the BALM” in white lettering, with "Love James 2017" in small black letters. The overall look is handmade and pun‑themed, meant as a cute teacher appreciation gift.
You’re the balm

 

Friday:

Clear plastic bags filled with cookies covered in colorful sprinkles are arranged together. Each bag has a cheerful label showing a cartoon chocolate‑chip cookie wearing glasses and smiling. The label reads, “I AM ONE SMART COOKIE THANKS TO YOU! FROM: Love James, 2017.” The overall look is playful and appreciation‑themed, combining a pun with a homemade treat.
I’m one smart cookie thanks to you

 

 

The Zoo

This past Saturday we went to the zoo with Bounce Children’s Foundation. If you’re in the Chicagoland area and have a child with special needs, I encourage you to join. They put together several outings throughout the year. The kids have fun and it gives the parents a way to meet other special needs parents.

 

James and Jeff pose beside the large white lion statue at the entrance of Brookfield Zoo. James sits in a wheelchair covered with a colorful cartoon‑patterned blanket, while Jeff kneels close beside him. The statue stands on a pedestal labeled “BROOKFIELD ZOO World Famous Since 1934.” Behind them, a vibrant flower bed forms a decorative butterfly pattern, and a fountain is visible in the distance. Trees and walkways frame the sunny outdoor scene.
James and Daddy at the zoo

 

Indoors, James sits in a wheelchair covered with a Snoopy‑themed blanket. Beside him stands a tall, colorful bird sculpture with a long pink neck, an orange beak, and a body made of layered, multicolored fabric strips. The background shows teal walls and several people sitting in the open space, giving the scene the feel of a lively art center or museum. The moment captures a playful contrast between the child and the imaginative, handcrafted sculpture.
Checking out some of the artwork at the zoo

 

An indoor aquatic show area features a large pool in the foreground, where a dolphin is visible near the edge of the water. Behind the pool, a colorful backdrop is designed like a tropical beach town, with artificial palm trees, bright plants, and small themed buildings. One building has a surf‑shop sign, and several surfboards stand upright nearby. Seating rises along the right side, and tall windows above let in natural light, giving the whole scene a sunny, coastal feel despite being indoors.
Waiting for the dolphin show

 

A dolphin leaps out of a large indoor pool, sending water splashing as two trainers stand at the edge interacting with it. Behind them is a bright, tropical‑themed backdrop with painted beach‑style buildings in red, yellow, blue, and green, along with artificial palm trees and plants. Overhead, wooden beams and large skylights let natural light fill the space, giving the scene an open, airy feel.
Dolphin in the air

 

Indoors, James sits in a wheelchair with a colorful cartoon blanket and a red hoodie, a striped neck pillow resting around his shoulders. Behind him stands a large blue giraffe sculpture painted with bold patterns, wearing a green hat decorated with flowers and a purple scarf. The wall behind the sculpture is covered in a cheerful mural of oversized flowers, trees, and birdhouses in vivid colors, creating a lively, imaginative setting.
More zoo art

 

 

Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month, so I want to finish this post with a picture of our “Pediatric Stroke Warrior”.

 

James lies on a blanket wearing a red jacket and a white shirt printed with bold phrases supporting pediatric stroke awareness. A purple star‑border frames the image, and below it appears the text “STROKE AWARENESS MONTH.” At the bottom, the James' black shoes are visible, decorated with colorful designs and a purple awareness ribbon. The overall look is strong, supportive, and advocacy‑focused.
James is our pediatric stroke warrior

 

To find out more about pediatric stroke, check out Pediatric Stroke Warrior’s Get the Facts page, and if you’re able, consider making a donation to this awesome organization.