Jesse Lee's Story

Jesse Lee was born in this country after his parents emigrated from Nigeria. They had fled their birthplace in Liberia with their first son after the war broke out in 1990. Over the next 10 years they endured brutal attacks and the loss of many family members. When the United Nations appealed to Church organizations for sponsorship to bring some of these families to the US, their prayers were answered by Jesse Lee Methodist Church in Ridgefield.

Louise gave birth to a baby boy 2 years later and named him Jesse Lee after the church that saved their lives. Unfortunately due to a complicated birth, Jesse Lee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. He may be non-verbal and wheelchair bound but he has an incredible smile and was voted “Most Friendly” in his kindergarten class.

Jesse Lee was in need of a new wheelchair that cost approx. $8000. His mother has to carry him and his chair up a flight of stairs to their apartment several times a day just so he can go to school. The wheelchair they needed was lighter in weight and fit Jesse Lee’s growing body. The new chair was not covered by insurance so a therapist that worked with Jesse Lee contacted the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation. Circumstances like this one where much needed medical equipment is not covered by some medical insurance plans is a need the foundation was able to meet.

Now Jesse Lee has the right chair for him and his family remains incredible hopeful that even though they have gone through so much they still remain incredible hopeful that they are in the right place.