Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Organizations Provide $10,000 Custom Wheelchair to Altadena Teen After Fires

Xavier Young lost his specialized mobility equipment when the Eaton fires destroyed his home and school in Altadena.

Two Los Angeles-area charitable organizations have provided a $10,000 custom wheelchair to an Altadena middle school student who lost his mobility equipment when fires destroyed his home and school.

Xavier Young, a student at Eliot Arts Magnet as part of the Pasadena Unified School District, received the specialized medical-grade wheelchair Sept. 23 through a partnership between Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities and Exceptional Children’s Foundation.

The Eaton fires that swept through Altadena left Young facing multiple losses: his home, his school in Altadena, and his lifeline — a specialized wheelchair he depended on every day for mobility and independence.

The presentation of Xavier’s new wheelchair, attended by Maxine Moshay of Exceptional Children’s Foundation and Angela Belty of Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities, formed part of LATLC’s larger fire relief campaign, which raised $100,000 to support families, first responders and schools impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.

“The fires hit the special needs community especially hard. They lost vital equipment, including specialized wheelchairs like this, that are essential for mobility and independence. We are so proud to partner with Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities to help replace what was lost and provide crucial support to those affected,” said Maxine Moshay, chief development officer of Exceptional Children’s Foundation.

The custom wheelchair was designed to meet Young’s specific needs, including safe transportation on school buses, restoring his independence and allowing him to return to school and daily activities with confidence.

Beyond immediate relief such as food, supplies and scholarships, LATLC reached out to its 152 partner charities to identify families who lost vital medical equipment. ECF, which serves nearly 4,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities annually, partnered with LATLC to make these replacements possible.

“LATLC exists to step in when our community needs us most,” said Megan Klein, president of LATLC. “Partnering with Exceptional Children’s Foundation allows us to do more than provide emergency aid—we can help children like Xavier regain their independence and move forward.”

The partnership has also enabled replacement of other critical medical equipment lost in the fires, including a specialized bath system for a young child.

This collaboration builds on LATLC’s nearly decade-long support of ECF, totaling more than $52,000 in grants and direct projects.

Exceptional Children’s Foundation provides the highest-quality services for children and adults who are challenged with special needs, empowering them to reach their greatest potential. Each year, ECF serves nearly 4,000 clients and their families at 14 program sites, in clients’ homes, and in community settings throughout Los Angeles County. ECF is the only organization of its kind in California to provide a lifespan of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Established in 2006, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities is a nonprofit organization led by more than 3,000 trial lawyers committed to improving lives throughout Southern California. LATLC provides financial support, scholarships and volunteer services to underserved communities, with a focus on education, housing, health and emergency assistance. Through year-round giving and hands-on service, LATLC remains dedicated to making a lasting impact.