Check here for updates to our Quest to get Jonathon to ComicCon NY!
Three editors, four people, one trip. Ghic Chic and ArsGeek are currently working towards attending Comic Con New York 2008. We’re planning everything from traveling to New York city through covering the convention and perhaps most importantly helping one 15 year old boy with limited use of his body meet some of his real life heroes.
Jonathon’s use of his body is limited to some use of his left hand. He’s enriched his life through the idea of superheroes - people who can literally do anything. His love for superheroes and all that they stand for has helped him through some very rough times, for instance by taking on their personas before and after operations.
Jonathon has a true love for all things superhero. Comics, movies and video games, they have all given him joy and strength and he would like nothing more than to meet the people behind his passion. We’re going to do the best we can to see this dream come true.
Jonathon was born with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. he’s spent his life in a wheelchair and although he has the mind of regular 15 year old, he’s unable to utilize his body and has difficulty speaking. Jonathon has a wonderful mind and personality trapped inside his body.
He’s had 13 surgeries- 7 of those were major, the rest were just muscle
releases in his back, hips, feet, and eyes.
Our currently list of things we need to do:
- Arrange transportation of some sort for our two West coast folks to hit the East coast.
- Find wheelchair accessible accommodations for four people near the Javitz Convention Center.
- Secure press passes for our team.
- Secure equipment to do high quality interviews, photographs and live blog throughout the con.
- Get some autographs for our friend.
Want to lend a hand in getting Jonathan to the con? Here’s what we need:
- Funds to get Ghic Chic and Jonathan from the West coast to NYC and back. Flying, the most expensive option, may be the best as it’s the least uncomfortable way to travel across the country.
- Funds for lodging and food.
- We’ve set up a paypal donation button up there on the right. Go for it!
It’s not just money that will help though! Want to know what else you can do?
- Send us your thoughts and well wishes! Let Jonathan know that you’re rooting for him.
- Know someone in the airline or hospitality business? Could they help us secure tickets or rooms at a reduced rate?
- Going to be at the con? Let us know!
Be sure to check out our updates by clicking this link! Keep current on any developments!
You can also send us an email and let us know what you’d like to see or tell us about your past experiences.
Technorati Tags: comic con, new york, hero, heroes, help
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I was thinking- and I should put this on the forum… Merchandise! Create a design and slogan to put on t-shirts, mouse pads, bags etc. and proceeds go to the event to get the boy there. Reader participation in coming up with a slogan and winner gets a free Arsgeek, Ghic Chic or event item courtesy of me, a gift from the event… AND maybe a chance to interview your favorte geek here? Okay, maybe the latter isn’t appealing to anyone… Input?
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Things are starting to roll. We’ve begun putting out feelers for hotel rooms, equipment and travel options.
Plus, we’ve gotten our first donation - $25 towards Jonathan’s dream trip!
August 26th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
This is so awesome! I love the whole idea! I love Superheroes, too. Jonathan sounds like a great guy - I’m sure this whole idea can happen, thanks to folks making it happen. I think the merchandise idea is excellent, too. I’ll put my thinking cap on about it. Cool!
August 26th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Thanks Harrie! Jonathon IS a great guy
He keeps telling me, “I hope they can make me a superhero!” and I keep having to tell him, “Honey, you ARE a superhero, the real deal! They’ll take notes and feel honored to meet the real thing!”
Yes, PLEASE put your thinking cap on!!! I’m looking forward to the ideas and designs to be created.
Again, thank you so much for your support. I love reading the encouragements to Jonathon as although I’m working hard on getting him there no matter what regardless of what happens here (I will crawl with him on my back if I have to!!!!) it’s just exciting to see this becoming a reality.
At first it felt strange reading this post, but then I had to let go as it’s not about me , it’s about HIM and seriously, this event is his heaven on Earth and completely surreal. He’s tickled to his toes just thinking about it as to him, fantasy and realilty sometimes is a very thing or blurred line.
And thank Ben for getting this going
Jonathon says, “Thank you ALL, YOU ROCK!”
August 27th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Harrie,
Thanks for the comments! And for your help! Every bit of encouragement, every donation, every idea gets Jonathon a lot closer to Comic Con.
Ben
August 27th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Well, I’d like to ask Jonathon who his favorite superhero is, if he has a favorite. I’m not that creative, unfortunately, but I think that might help!
September 11th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
What a great story and a great cause to discover on today. (Especially today)
Ghic Chic - I think you have the idea of a t-shirt in your message; Johnathon states “I hope they can make me a superhero!” . What about a shirt for Johnathon that says “I AM a Superhero!” and one for fund raising that says “I Support a SuperHero!” with arsgeek.com as a reference?
I for one with contribute again to get the shirt just to wear it at the Comic Con & see Johnathon wearing his. It would be fantastic to see many people wearing the shirt.
Just my 2 cents
September 11th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Charilie,
That is an excellent idea! Thanks!!!
Dawn (Ghic Chic)
September 12th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Hey Jonathon, you are a super cool hero dude!
I had a friend in college with CP who also loved comicbooks and dreamt of being a superhero who could do all kinds of amazing things. But you know what, he did all kinds of amazing things all the time, and he was a totally cool guy. It took me a while to learn to understand his speech, but he was really patient with me, and it didn’t take me too long. We took several classes together, and afterwards, we’d throw our books and lunch into the backpack always hanging on the back of his weelchair, and go out onto the quad and eat and study together. There was a goup of us who often went to movies and rock concerts and stuff, and he seemed to always have a really fresh point of view, and got you to thinking about things from a different angle. When it’s physically difficult for someone to say something, you really listen when he talks because it’s important. Plus he was just fun - he liked having fun. Then we all graduated and he moved away from California to go to graduate school. Yeah, sometimes he was really frustrated, but he was ambitious and accomplished more in college than most of us did.
That was 25 years ago! His name was Hoyt. Just remembering him makes me smile.
Anyway, you’ll get to Comic Con - just another one of your superdeeds, Jonathon! And there’s a whole lot more to come…
Byt the way, I really dig the idea of the t-shirts!!!
My best to you,
-Lorelie
September 17th, 2007 at 3:19 am
Hi
Very interesting information! Thanks!
G’night
January 10th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
This is a very good idea. You are helping little kids.