For many people, these words from The Greatest Showman song, “This Is Me,” are just lyrics, but for Malea Hoots, they resonate on a much deeper level.

Malea, a bright, joyful 13-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has spent her entire life defying the notion that she is anything but remarkable. Born with a rare medical condition that limits her mobility, Malea requires help with all of her daily routines. She cannot sit or stand without assistance and must rely on a wheelchair for most of her day-to-day activities.

Despite the challenges that life has thrown her way, Malea has never let her circumstances dim her light. She is brave. She is bruised. And she is who she is meant to be.

Malea’s father, Justin Hoots, a military Veteran and former first responder, has been by her side every step of the way. As her primary caregiver, Justin shoulders much of the physical and emotional demands that come with raising a child with complex needs.

He lifts her in and out of a special car seat, disassembles her wheelchair when they need to travel, and reassembles it once they arrive. It’s a grueling process that becomes more difficult with each passing year as Malea continues to grow. And with most of her specialists located 120 miles away at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Justin and Malea are often on the road, making the long trips to see her ten doctors or attending weekly therapy sessions.

That is, when they have access to a reliable vehicle. Currently, they rely on a friend or Malea’s mom to drive them, but both options don’t provide the support she needs for a safe and comfortable ride. When those choices aren’t available, they try to get by with virtual appointments, which are less than ideal for a teen with complex medical needs.

Malea, though, makes it all worthwhile. She loves being outside, soaking up the sunshine on family walks when the weather allows. She’s happiest when she’s watching her favorite movies or listening to music, especially the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman. And when she can, she goes on car rides—one of her favorite activities. But these moments of joy are often met with logistical challenges that most families could never imagine. 

For Malea, transportation will only become more difficult as she gets older.

“I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars. ‘Run away,’ they say, ‘No one’ll love you as you are.’”

But the Hoots family knows better. Malea’s scars tell a story of courage. Yet even in their perseverance, Malea and Justin have faced many obstacles that are only compounded by their lack of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Without one, Malea is often unable to travel in her wheelchair, which offers her much-needed support and comfort. Instead, Justin must transfer her into her car seat, which can be a physical and emotional strain on both father and daughter.

That’s why Chive Charities stepped in to help. Through the generous support of our donors, we were able to grant Malea and her dad a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van, specially outfitted to make their lives easier. The total impact was $54,975.

Now, Malea will be able to travel in her wheelchair, providing her with the comfort and security she needs on those long trips to the hospital. And just as importantly, it eliminates the need for Justin to lift her in and out of a car seat, reducing the physical toll on him and ensuring that Malea can travel with dignity.

“But I won’t let them break me down to dust. I know that there’s a place for us. For we are glorious.”

This van represents so much more than just a vehicle for Malea and Justin—it represents freedom. Freedom to travel with ease, without having to rely on others for transportation. Freedom to live more comfortably and focus on the joy in their lives instead of the daily challenges they face. Malea may have scars, but they are not what define her. She is the epitome of strength, perseverance, and love, and she faces every challenge with a bravery that inspires everyone around her.

“When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out. I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.”

Justin, a military Veteran and former firefighter, has given so much of himself to both his country and his family. Malea’s wheelchair-accessible van is just one small way Chive Charities is able to give back to them. But we can’t do this alone.

With the help of our donor family, we are able to provide life-changing grants to Veterans, first responders, military families, and individuals with rare medical conditions. But there are still so many more who need our help.

By joining our donor family, you can help us make the world 10% happier, one life-changing grant at a time. Whether you choose to make a one-time donation or sign up for as little as $10 a month, your contribution makes a difference. Together, we can give more children like Malea the support they need to live their lives with dignity, joy, and independence.

Look out, because here we come. Join our donor family today and help us support more families like Malea’s. It doesn’t take a lot – it just takes you. DONATE HERE.