Shortly after Beau was born, doctors discovered he had suffered an undetected brain injury that had damaged an estimated 40% of his brain. Although they ruled out stroke and brain bleeds, 12 years later they have yet to pinpoint the cause of such immense, lifelong damage.

Now that he’s almost a teenager and growing taller by the day, Beau’s home needs have dramatically changed. He’s wheelchair bound and completely dependent upon his mother and grandparents for all transfer and ambulation needs. Unfortunately, Beau’s father passed away 3 years ago due to Alzheimer’s disease, leaving his mother, Julie Beeson, alone to bear the emotional and physical burden of Beau’s medically necessary care. 

The biggest hurdle at home has been access to the bathroom, as Beau’s wheelchair is too wide to fit through the current door frame. “It’s becoming dangerous for me, his 52-year-old mom, to lift and transfer him from bath to bed without hurting one of us,” Julie shared with us over email. “[Beau] hardly fits in the tub, as he can’t sit independently and his limbs have nowhere to go. It’s painful for him to bathe due to his cerebral palsy.”

Julie also told us that Beau would cry from the discomfort of bathing, causing her to only bathe him every few days to lessen his pain. She was desperate for a bathroom remodel and had to dig deep to make it happen, as the total cost would add up to well over $24,000. Ultimately, it would take a village to accomplish this major feat, so a village is exactly what she gathered. 

Holton’s Heroes joined 4 other nonprofits in funding this bathroom remodel that has, quite literally, opened new doors for Beau and his mother. 

“Beau’s new bathroom has changed our lives for the better,” Julie told us after the remodel was complete. “I want people that donate to know how humbling it is for me. It brings tears to my eyes.” 

The new bathroom makeover boasts many helpful features like a wide entryway with sliding doors, a tiled, waterproof floor, a special needs bathchair, and a custom-built sink to allow ample space for a wheelchair.

“I spent the first 7 years of Beau’s life mad and in survival mode,” Julie admits. “Starting a charity to help others, when Holton is still so young and the pain still so fresh is awe-inspiring. I always say don’t waste your suffering, and Eric and his family have not.”