JD’s Creations

The Gift of Mobility: Luke's Story

By 7017444915 • December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
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In today’s blog we’re sharing JD’s story. JD is part of the Hope Haven community and here he recounts how he discovered his passion for welding through “JD’s Creations”…

Hi my name is JD Bumgarner and I have Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability but that has not stopped me from finding my passion which is being creative.

I have always been interested in designing and drawing things.  Even when I was little I would help my Dad put things together without having to look at the directions which is a good thing since I have trouble reading.  School and learning especially math reading and writing have always been hard for me because of my Cerebral Palsy which is a brain injury.  Cerebral Palsy because it is a brain injury makes it harder for me to process information quickly which is why my favorite types of classes have always been art classes where I get to use my creativity.  I enjoy finding new ways of being creative and was excited to discover welding.

I started to weld as part of the 4H Bucket of Junk Challenge a few years ago.  The first piece I created was one that I called “Herky or Cy?”.  My parents were in awe of what I created out of a bucket of junk.

The next year I created a Beagle and a bunny.  And most recently I created a tractor from the bucket of junk.

My parents already knew that I was very creative and good at designing things on paper but now I had a new way to be creative through welding.  I have learned that my brain works differently which isn’t a bad thing because it helps me see and create art out of buckets of junk.  I like to think that I am giving new life to junk that would have been thrown away. 

My parents bought me a welder and welding equipment for Christmas which I started to use right away.  Once Covid 19 hit and schools were cancelled I started welding even more.  I took one of my first pieces the “Iron Indian” to the high school art show at Arts on Grand and it won the “Curator’s Choice Award” and was the first piece of art that I sold.  I am blessed to have supportive parents who encourage and help me use my creativity. 

I came to live with my Mom and Dad when I was 27 months old as part of the foster care system.  My biological sister Chloe and I were adopted by them a few years later.  I also have a younger brother Nate and two beagles at home. My entire family enjoys helping me with my welding. My Mom created a Facebook page called JD’s Creations and posts and sells my pieces there. Both my Mom and Dad help me polish and clean the pieces of junk before and after I weld them.  I’ve even taught my Mom younger sister and brother to weld.  I really enjoy working with my family on my different projects – it has brought us all closer together. I am very blessed and thankful that I get to do what I love.

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