High School Students Built a Robotic Wheelchair - and Gave It to This Toddler Who Can't Walk
Cillian Jackson is two years old and an adorable, active toddler, but the way he gets around is unique. He can’t walk due to a genetic condition, but he still wants to get around like any kid; he just needs a bit of help. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes from the most unexpected of places.
Cillian's physical therapist, based in Minnesota, looked into a program called Go Baby Go, which creates modified toy cars for kids that have trouble getting around. Unfortunately, there was no Go Baby Go program near the Jackson's family home in Farmington, Minnesota. The only other option was a motorized wheelchair, but those can cost over $1,000, which just wasn’t in the family’s budget.
Cillian's parents were forced to get a little creative and paid a visit to the robotics team at the nearby Farmington High School. They asked the students if they could DIY a toy car for Cillian. The team of teenagers was up for the challenge, and with the help of plans from Go Baby Go, they started their project, basing their modifications on a Power Wheels toy car.
"Everything that we've been doing for robotics competitions ... was directly relatable to this challenge," robotics coach Spencer Elvebak told CNN. "The students did the programming, they did all the wiring, they did all the work."
"In education in general we tell (students) we're giving
you the tools to apply in the future and do something with this," Elvebak
said. "Here's a perfect example of, 'Wow, I do have the skills to wire,
code, program and approach an engineering challenge.'"
"I decided to get involved with the project because ... I wanted to help someone, and it felt really good in the end," said freshman Alex Treakle.
Treakle recalled Cillian trying his new car for the first time: "The joy on his face really made my entire year."
Thanks to the new car, Cillian has more mobility and freedom than ever before. He's able to explore and learn new things.
Cillian's mom, Krissy Jackson, added, "It really helped his discovery and curiosity. ... Having the car has really given him the agency to make choices on his own."
Everyone has the power to make a difference in someone's life, no matter how old or young. It all begins with trying to see the good we are all capable of, and applying that to help those who need it.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.