METAMORA, Ill. (25 News) – A special needs child in Metamora is getting some help to get around easier from the town’s high school students.
Fitz Thornton is a 3-year-old who has L1 syndrome, and is unable to move his legs. To help him become mobile, the high school’s Mars Wars Robotics team built him a mars car. The project was funded with help from OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
The car features a ‘go’ button, a controller for his parents to help move the vehicle, a radio, and a launcher to help him play basketball.
Fitz’s mother, Katie, tells 25 News she is grateful for the gift.
“It’s so much fun to see all the kids, all the hard work they’ve put in. And they’ve just been so sweet and kind to Fitz and they’ve been so sweet and kind and thoughtful about taking into account everything he can do and also any limitations he might have,” said Katie Thornton.
The car was built by 15 students in the club, who spent more than 400 hours putting it together.
Josie Hess is one of the club’s leaders and says it was a good feeling seeing Fitz in the car.
“He was smiling nonstop and we were just going back and forth and he loved it. And I think that’s why I do this is because you get to see the smile on the kid’s face when you give them the finished product,” Hess said.
Fitz gave his new car a test drive at Metamora’s football game Friday night, where the family was recognized, by taking a lap around the field’s track. The family is planning to use it for trick or treating during Halloween.
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