Parents Invent Coat to Keep Kids in Wheelchairs Warm and Dry
By Whitney Amann & Zach Razminas, 9 & 10 News
A little girl with a big heart and parents willing to do anything for her.
Nine-year-old Zoey Harrison uses a wheelchair which can be difficult during the winter or rain, trying to stay warm and dry.
So her parents, originally from Lake City, decided to find a way to make that part of life a little easier.
It’s been said that moms will do anything for their children and Jennifer Harrison proves that.
What started as an invention to help her daughter, now helps others just like Zoey.
Meet Zoey.
“Her name actually means the gift of life,” said Jennifer.
Now she’s giving the gift of living an easier life, for children and adults in wheelchairs.
“Zoey is a precocious little nine year old that came home last winter and had an issue with getting ready for recess for school,” said John Harrison.
An everyday activity some kids take for granted was a struggle for Zoey.
So her mom Jennifer went to the store and got to work.
“I was cuddling with my dad and she came and said let’s try this on and I’m like what the heck is this,” said Zoey.
After several coats and several attempts, Zoey’s mom created the X-Ability Wheelchair Bodycoat.
She also posted a video so Zoey’s teachers would know how it works.
“The initial post garnered 11.5 million views on Facebook, we’ve had over 100,000 requests of people wanting them,” said John.
“It was an outpouring of support as well so this isn’t a project John and I just did on our own,” said Jennifer. “There’s a lot of local businesses that we pulled in to help us.”
Including Central Michigan University’s research corporation.
But every business needs a name…
“See my ability, not my disability and we crossed out the x and its see what I can do, not what I can’t do,” said Zoey.
Zoey says she is excited to help other people with disabilities also feel warm and cozy, doing their favorite activities.
“If I didn’t have my mom on earth then I wouldn’t have this bodycoat,” said Zoey. “I’m very, very thankful for my mom and I love her so much.”
Right now they are taking all the money they make to make more X-Ability Bodycoats.
For more information about bodycoats from X-Ability, or to purchase a bodycoat, please contact us here.
