Schuyler Arakawa’s Special Needs Trust: 2026 Fundraiser
Dear Schuyler’s Community,
Since our last fundraiser, Schuyler has continued to make immense progress. With support from the trust, she attends monthly targeted physical therapy at NextStep in Orlando, Florida, where she is getting stronger and closer to walking independently. She has also started aqua therapy and adaptive gymnastics to further build her balance and mobility.
Beyond her physical achievements, Schuyler has built an extraordinary community. She is an active participant in The Ashmere Project, a summer camp for individuals with disabilities, and she was crowned Miss Wheelchair Florida in 2025, going on to compete at Nationals in Michigan.
While these successes are tremendous, Schuyler still faces many challenges — both day-to-day and long-term. In order to support her ongoing medical care and therapy, as well as build financial stability for her future, we hosted a second fundraiser for Schuyler’s Special Needs Trust in recognition of the 10-year anniversary since her accident.
The 2026 Fundraising Campaign: We Raised $55k!
A Message from Schuyler and Meridith - From Orlando with Gratitude: Thank You for Making This Possible
Dear Backon2Feet Family,,
We're writing to you from Orlando, where Schuyler is midway through another intensive therapy session—and our hearts are full.
Thanks to your extraordinary generosity, the recent fundraising campaign for Schuyler's Special Needs Trust raised over $55,000. Whether you contributed to the thousands that were raised, organized the 10K on Schuy's birthday, or simply shared the campaign with your networks—you made this possible, and we are deeply, profoundly grateful.
Why This Trust Matters
Nearly ten years ago, Schuyler's college friends established this trust, and it has become a lifeline. While we're carefully investing the majority of these funds for Schuyler's long-term security, the trust also allows us to access critical resources that insurance doesn't cover and our regular income can't stretch to meet—like hotel rooms while in Orlando for the cutting-edge physical therapy Schuyler receives here at NextStep Orlando, adaptive camps that feed her adventurous spirit, and the tools that help her continue building toward independence.
Before the boulder, Schuyler had visited five of the seven continents—teaching English to monks in Nepal, building a school in Peru, and embracing every adventure she could find. She grew up at Girl Scout camp every summer and eventually became a counselor, both at Girl Scout camps and at Camp California in Croatia. This trust helps her continue living a life shaped by connection, growth, and possibility.
Paying It Forward
While Schuyler's physical challenges prevent her from working a traditional job, we are both committed to honoring your generosity by continuing to make a positive impact in the world.
We do this through:
Our advocacy work and ongoing efforts to shift the conversation around disability and resilience
Our 13 published books in the My Friend the Boulder children's series on Amazon, empowering young readers to face their own "boulders"
Our One Million Boulder Futures Initiative, partnering with organizations nationwide to share this message of perseverance and hope
Keynotes and live appearances that inspire audiences to reframe adversity
This week alone:
Tomorrow (Thursday): We'll be reading Book 12 live—in full costume—at the Ryan Seacrest Studio for young patients at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital
Friday & Saturday: We'll be at the Family Café expo in the Removing the Barriers booth, reading from the My Friend the Boulder collection and connecting with families navigating their own journeys
Every time you see us out in the community, speaking at an event, or sharing our story—please know that none of this would be possible without you. You are not just supporting Schuyler's therapy and future security. You are enabling us to turn our hardest chapter into a legacy of impact, connection, and hope for others facing their own boulders.
Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts—and from this therapy room in Orlando where Schuyler continues to get stronger every day—thank you. You have given Schuyler not just resources, but dignity, possibility, and a community that refuses to let her face this alone.
We are honored to walk this journey with you.
With love and gratitude,
Schuyler & Meridith
P.S. Want to stay connected? Reach out anytime on our Facebook page. We'd love to hear from you.
1. What are some examples of how the funds are managed/spent?
The funds are invested in a diversified portfolio of low-fee ETFs
Physical Therapy at NextStep Orlando
Travel and lodging for physical therapy trips, camps (Ashmere Project), important events (Yale College Reunions)
2. Where are these funds going?
Schuyler's Special Needs Trust is managed by three trustees (Valerie Eisenson, Stephanie Granada, and Isabel Garcia) and two advisors (Kate Ford and Laura Bass). The funds are held in the Trust's bank account and investment account. Our primary goal is to invest the funds for the future, but some are spent each year to support Schuyler.
3. I am not comfortable/able to contribute to this trust right now. Can I contribute to Schuyler in another way?
Yes! There are many other meaningful ways to contribute; for example:
Sponsoring an experience for Schuyler, such as flights to Ashmere or Physical Therapy at NextStep.
If you are interested in contributing to Schuyler’s PT appointments at NextStep, here is the information: Write a check to NextStep Fitness, Inc., 277 Douglas Avenue #1006, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 with Schuyler’s name in the memo line or donate here with Schuyler’s name in the comments section. Your full gift goes towards immediate impact this year!
Hosting Schuyler when she visits your city
Scheduling a visit to Tampa
4. What is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds and manages assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. The trust can be used to pay for supplemental expenses—such as therapies, education, or quality-of-life supports—that enhance the individual’s well-being beyond what public programs cover. All gifts to the trust are taxable and should be reported to your accountant.