Baltimore (WBFF) -- A Baltimore City family, with nowhere else to turn, contacts Fox45 News seeking help for their son. And now, Baltimore City Schools says it's taking action.
Nine-year-old Jameson Lewis is in a wheelchair. Nearly two years ago, City Schools promised his family a wheelchair lift would be installed at his school, Curtis Bay Elementary. But it was never completed. However, it soon should be, after Project Baltimore contacted the school system demanding answers.
"I'll never stop fighting for my son," Lewis told Fox45 News.
Jameson has a genetic disorder called CMT, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, where his hands, legs and feet are in constant pain. The disease largely confines him to a wheelchair.
"He falls quite a bit because his legs give out," said Lewis.
"Because of the muscle tone in your legs, you can't walk," Jameson explained.
"He's not able to run and jump like normal kids. But he never gives up," added Lewis.
Jameson is in third grade at Curtis Bay Elementary in south Baltimore. He loves the school, his teachers and his friends. Curtis Bay is his family's school.
"I went to the school. My sister went to the school. My mom went to this school. They absolutely loved my son," Lewis told Project Baltimore.
But there's a problem. Jameson cannot get to the second floor of the school in his wheelchair. Curtis Bay was built in the 1960s and is not fully wheelchair accessible; however, it could be made so according to an investigation by Project Baltimore.
The Lewis family has been fighting for years with Baltimore City Public Schools to install a wheelchair lift at the school. Emails obtained by Project Baltimore show that back in November 2022 Melissa Broome from North Avenue informed them that funding had been identified for this project costing "approximately $132,000."
Then again in March 2023 came promising news: "The lift installation is on schedule...by Monday May 22nd." Unfortunately delays continued frustrating both father Justin who remarked:
"The wheelchair lift keeps getting pushed back...It's super frustrating."
"The lack of lift impacting education?" asked Chris Papst from PB.
"Absolutely", answered Mr.Lewis.
Despite ongoing efforts over nearly two years no progress seemed forthcoming until recently when North Ave finally responded admitting unexpected logistical challenges delayed completion but anticipated functionality December tenth regretting any inconvenience caused students/families involved. In closing words shared between journalist/Jamesons Dad what message might convey towards those responsible?
Despite ongoing efforts over nearly two years no progress seemed forthcoming until recently when North Ave finally responded admitting unexpected logistical challenges delayed completion but anticipated functionality December tenth regretting any inconvenience caused students/families involved. In closing words shared between journalist/Jamesons Dad what message might convey towards those responsible?
'Do better', urged Mr.Lewis.
'There's many kids disabilities just sad.' echoed young child himself adding final thought:
"What heck going ask done", concluded hopeful boy eagerly awaiting long overdue solution easing daily struggles faced navigating inaccessible environment once beloved institution attended generations prior familial ties deeply rooted community fabric woven tightly together through shared experience past present future alike intertwined closely bonded forevermore unyielding spirit perseverance determination unwavering resolve triumph adversity against odds stacked high seemingly insurmountable yet ultimately conquered victorious end goal achieved success realized fruition dreams fulfilled aspirations met head-on courageously bravely boldly stepping forward fearlessly embracing challenge wholeheartedly without hesitation doubt reservation whatsoever knowing full well potential outcome worth every effort expended along journey undertaken embarked upon united common cause greater good collective benefit all concerned parties involved stakeholders invested interest ensuring equitable fair 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