Hoosier FWD, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded and managed by Gage’s parents, Kristin and Marcus Normington. Gage, who is currently 11 years old, was born with a genetic condition known as Hydrocephalus. Since then, he has also been diagnosed with Spasticity (Hypertonia & Dystonia), Cerebral Palsy, Hip Dysplasia, EOE & MTHFR.
Kristin and Marcus learned how quickly medical bills can pile up and how little was actually covered by insurance. They needed to get creative to provide the best care and tools for their child.
When Gage was about 3 months old, Pat McAfee, a sports analyst, podcaster and former Colts’ punter, hosted a contest called, “What Christmas Means to Me,” asking for a 60-second video from participants. Kristin and Marcus submitted a video telling Gage’s story. Their video won and they used the money to pay Gage’s current medical bills and the rest of the donation was used to start Hoosier FWD. That’s where the slogan was born: “paying it forward one family at a time”.
The goal of Hoosier FWD is to raise money for Indiana families facing financial hardships due to medical bills for children with special needs that do not quality for Medicaid or Financial Assistance.
The first fundraiser for Hoosier FWD was hosted in 2014 by friends of the Normington family. They hosted a kickball tournament and had surprising success. They realized just how lucky they were to have this support system. Hoosier FWD was the way for them to be that support system for many other families in need.
Now, the Gage Classic golf outing is hosted annually (typically before Labor Day weekend) and is the main fundraiser for Hoosier FWD. Thanks to donations made at the Gage Classic and throughout the year, Hoosier FWD has been able to continue their mission. For the fifth year, we were able to send a few kids to a summer camp geared to kids with differing needs; additionally, an adaptive tricycle for a young boy and his family, plus so much more. During the COVID crisis, Hoosier FWD got even more creative with donations, purchasing equipment for nearly 100 kids at home: sensory toys, balance discs, items to develop fine motor skills and make virtual therapy sessions more effective.
But they’re not stopping there. Hoosier FWD has a bigger dream: raise enough money to create a special needs community center on the south side of Indianapolis, where children can safely learn and play together.
Thanks to your ongoing support Hoosier FWD will continue paying it forward one family at a time.