Boy's family needs new vehicle

NORWALK — Organizers of an upcoming event hope to raise funds for a new adaptive van to help a young man in a wheelchair. Travis Hipp's and Hannah Barry's son, Travis "Lil T" Hipp, need a new adaptive vehicle. Lil T has spinal muscular atrophy. "SMA is an inherited disease that affects nerves and muscles, causing muscles to become increasingly weak. It mostly affects infants and children," according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lil T was born in 2013. As he was approaching his first birthday, his parents noticed that he was not reaching certain milestones. He was not propping himself up on all fours or pulling himself up to stand, Barry said. After several tense months of tests and waiting, Lil T was diagnosed with SMA. Due to the disease, he uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility. The family needs a new van adapted with a motorized ramp to make traveling easier. Lil T has appointments at Columbus' Nationwide Children's Hospital every two-to-three months to have rods in his back extended. Twice a year, Lil T travels to the Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic at Akron Children's Hospital. Lil T's parents' current vehicles have manual ramps and the vehicles themselves are rapidly reaching the end of their useful lives. Travis estimated that his van is two decades old. "It's on its last limbs," he said. Barry said they typically use her vehicle for nearby appointments such as his four-times-a-week therapy sessions. They use Travis' vehicle for out-of-town appointments. Lil T is interested in the same things most boys his age are: video games like "Fortnite" and "Minecraft," Lego and movies based on comic books. He prefers Marvel movies. "DC is a little on the iffy side," he said referring to the DC extended universe movies. Travis said his son loves helping people. "He'll drop anything if a friend needs him," he said. Lil T said he wants to be a YouTube content creator when he grows up. He said his channel would focus on video games like Fortnite and Minecraft. When asked what a new vehicle would mean to him, Lil T said, "I really don't care, whatever is easier for (my parents)." "(It) will open more opportunities for him," Barry said, referring to a new vehicle. The fundraiser, Lil T Benefit Ride, features a 50-mile ride for motorcycles and cars. Registration starts at 9 a.m. on July 30 at Buckeye Pub in Norwalk. Last vehicle out is at 11 a.m. After stops in Huron, Vermilion and Oxford Township, the ride ends at Rockin' Horse Saloon in Huron Township. Lil T said he was most looking forward to the "little hangout at the end," referring to the gathering at Rockin' Horse Saloon. Travis said there will be live entertainment, raffles and food at the end of the ride. He said they are hoping to also have games and activities, based on the weather. "I'm grateful for what people have done," he said. "Something that I thought was not going to end up great will be amazing now. People got together to make it happen and I can't thank them enough." Want to go? What: Lil T Benefit Ride When: Saturday, July 30 starting at 9 a.m. Where: Depart from Buckey Pub, 71 Jefferson St., Norwalk Last stop: Rockin' Horse Saloon, 8315 Milan Rd. (U.S. 250) Cost: $10 per person, $5 for dinner at Rockin' Horse Saloon Those unable to attend can donate by using: Venmo: THIPP13 CashApp: $THIPP13