Muriel's Angels is a registered 501-C3 charitable organization that provides funding for the special needs of children with physical and mental disabilities in Southern California. Many of these needs are not covered by local, state, or federal programs.
100% of the DONATIONS GO TO THE CHARITY'S CURRENT PROJECTS. ANY ADMINISTRATIVE FEES ARE COVERED ENTIRELY BY THE BOARD.
Know a family in need? Click the form: MURIEL'S ANGELS REQUEST FORM
Muriel's Angels helps Venture Academy and George Key Students
Just one of the schools who have students with "special needs" that Muriel's Angels has supported.
"Thank you Muriel’s Angels for Putting Kids First! It's an honor to serve as your superintendent of schools" - Dr. Alex Cherniss, Superintendent of Schools, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified District
Read the letters of Appreciation from Dr. Alex Cherniss, Superintendent of Schools and Grace Gordon, teacher George Key School.
Wheelchair recipient, Larry Agaton, Venture Academy Transition Program along with his teachers, Bill Greenfield and Grace Gordon
Haruka and his mother, Masami receiving their new converted van. Pictured along with John Ludwig, President of Muriel's Angels, David Meshkani of Aero Mobility.
December Completed Project - Davis Family
Muriel's Angels was grateful to assist the Davis Family. Jack, age 5 who suffers from myotubular myopathy.
Jack is confined to a wheelchair. Jack has no motor skills, relies on feeding tubes, is non-verbal but understands and uses a computer to communicate. Otherwise, his cognitive skills are normal for his age.
A wheelchair accessible van is necessary for daily doctors appointments and general transportation. Previously, the wheelchair had to be broken-down, and Jack had to be carried into their prior vehicle by his mother (see post below).
As expressed by Jack's mother, Lauren -
"We are absolutely blessed to receive not just a van, but the gift of freedom and independence. Jack can now drive his power chair every day! His power wheelchair allows him to be independent and explore his environment. We are extremely thankful for such a generous donation that will help us in our daily lives. From therapies, doctor's appointments, to Jack's brother's soccer practices and games, to family outings - we now have the ability to enjoy life that much more!"
Thank you Muriel's Angels!
The Davis Family
Jack, his mother, Lauren and his brother are pictured along with John Ludwig of Muriel's Angels and Dale Hight of Aero Mobility.
December Completed Project - Hope School
Muriel's Angels was grateful to assist our friends at Hope School once again! Together with our valued partner, Dale and Aero Mobility we were able to make this happen.
As expressed by Ryan Loch, Vice Principal, Hope School -
Muriel's Angels did it again!!! Just in time for his birthday, Gilbert received a new wheelchair with the help from John Ludwig and his partners at Aero Mobility, including David and Dale.
Hope School is also the grateful recipient of a donation of 2 wheelchairs for general use on campus. Thank you, John and the team at Muriel's Angel's.
Take care and have a very Merry Christmas!
Ryan
John Ludwig of Muriel's Angels and his partners at Aero Mobility, including David and Dale and Ryan Loch, Vice Principal, Hope School.
Current Project (December) - Davis Family
Our most recent project will be securing a wheelchair accessible van for Jack, age 5 who suffers from myotubular myopathy. Jack is confined to a wheelchair. The family is supported by a nurse that accompanies Jack to a public school on a daily basis. Jack has no motor skills, relies on feeding tubes, is non-verbal but understands and uses a computer to communicate. Otherwise, his cognitive skills are normal for his age.
A wheelchair accessible van is necessary for daily doctors appointments and general transportation. Presently the wheelchair has to be broken-down, and Jack has to be carried into his present vehicle by his mother or his nurse (see pictures below). We hope to have this project completed within the next couple of months.
Jack, his mother, Lauren and his nurse are pictured along with John Ludwig of Muriel's Angels and David Meshkani of Aero Mobility.
September Completed Project - Diaz Family
Our most recent project was securing a new rear entry conversion van for the Diaz family.
Back in August (original article below), we started working with the Diaz family. Axl is a 7-year old physically disabled child who has no motor movement and little cognitive ability. His mother, Denise has been burdened having to transport Axl by physically picking him up out of his wheelchair and loading him into their existing vehicle. Denise had to manually load his heavy wheelchair into the vehicle.
Now with their new conversion van, the Diaz familiy has significantly improved their transportation capabilities.
Axl's mom, Denise says... "A big Thank You! to Muriel's Angels for helping us with our wheelchair conversion! It has truly been life changing for my son, Axl and I. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulds thanks to the amazing support we received. Again, Thank You John, Dale and Muriel's Angels for working with us!"
Axl, his mother, Denise pictured along with John Ludwig of Muriel's Angels receiving their new conversion van.
Recent News
TSO, Tennis Serving Others, a local women's tennis group that supports local charities partnered with Muriel's Angels on August 17, 2023. Pictured below, TSO volunteers, Muriel's Angels Board members, John Ludwig, David Brown, Lynn Brown. Our charity appreciates their commitment and support.
Other News
Muriel's Angels would like to thank and acknowledge The Elks Lodge, #2444 Mission Viejo and Ryta and Peter Seremet of The American Endowment Foundation for their generous donations.
Muriel's Angels has donated several new wheelchairs to The Hope School and other qualifed recipients within the last month.
Project Update - Diaz Family
The Diaz Family's Chevrolet Traverse Conversion vehicle is presently on its way and should be received by the family within days.
New Project (August) - Diaz Family
Axl is a 7-year old physically disabled child who has no motor movement and little cognitive ability. His mother, Denise has been burdened with having to transport Axl by physically picking him up out of his wheelchair and loading him into their existing vehicle. Denise then has to manually load his heavy wheelchair into the vehicle.
We are raising funds for a rear-entry conversion Chevy Traverse vehicle, which would greatly improve the Diaz's family's daily transportation needs.
Denise Diaz, her son, Axl and Board members of Muriel's Angels; John Ludwig and Dale Hight as well as Rich Encinas representing Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. The Lodge has donated a number of wheelchairs to Muriel's Angels.
As the photos show, as a child grows, you can see why Axl's mother will have continued difficulty in transporting her child for their daily needs.
Completed Project (July) - Kawana Family
We started working with the Kawana family back in May, helping them with their son, Haruka and their van conversion needs. Haruka is a 14-year old child that suffers from Muscular Dystrophy.
We are pleased to announce that their van conversion is complete and their van was delivered on July 14th at Aero Mobility.
Haruka's mother, Masami says it all... "I want to thank you for your generous contribution towards our new accessible family van. We are so excited and ready to have many memorable journeys in comfort, thanks to all of you at Muriel's Angels!!!"
Haruka and his mother, Masami receiving their new converted van. Pictured along with John Ludwig, President of Muriel's Angels, David Meshkani of Aero Mobility.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Muriel's Angels latest van gifted and delivered to the Lopez family at Hope School May 2023.
Jesus Lopez and family, with Hope School Staff, and Board members of Muriel's Angels; John Ludwig, Dale Hight, Lynn Brown, Chris Eckman.
Jesus Lopez, Father Julio, Mother Laura, and Aid Raul Haro, Dale Hight, and John Ludwig...checking van accessibility for final delivery.
"What a beautiful day it was to witness the generous outpouring of support to another Hope student and his family! The gracious gift of a van with a ramp is going to radically transform their lives, granting them access to so much in our community." - Ryan Loch, Vice Principal, Hope School
We are now in the process of raising funds for 3 more deserving families that are in need of wheelchair adaptive vans for their children. Remember 100% of your donation goes to these worthy causes. Thank you for your support. We are sincerely grateful.
Jorge Rosas
In a short turn around time, the Charity was also able to provide maintenance and repair for Jorge Rosas' wheelchair!
Adriana Perez, Jorge's Mom, has had a hard time getting the manufacturer to fix his wheelchair. It was all thanks to Jorge's teacher from George Key School, Grace Gordon, that the family was able to connect with Muriel's Angels and finally get his wheelchair fixed!
100% of the DONATIONS GO TO THE FAMILIES IN NEED!
April Projects:
Vijayaraghavan Family
Muriel's Angels founder, John Ludwig, and Aero Mobility operations manager, Dale Hight, met up with dad Kannan, mom Aswini, and daughters, Manya and Rohitha of the Vijayaraghavan Family to assess their van needs.
Rohitha is a 15 year old girl diagnosed with Potocki-Lupski syndrome, and is both physically and mentally challenged. She has grown tall and with increasing weight, her parents find it challenge to safely transport her in and out of the car. They even need to disassemble her wheelchair and manually carry her into the car. Rohitha had spine fusion surgery 3 years ago, which makes her situation all the more delicate. The family is in desperate need of a wheelchair accessible van.
Aside from the Vijayraghavan Family, the Charity is also raising funds for the Kawana and Lopez families, who are also in need of wheelchair accessible vans. More details soon!
Meeting with Haruka
The Kawana Family is another deserving family that Muriel’s Angels is working with to find a wheelchair accessible van for their son, Haruka. Haruka is a 14 year old child that suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. He is pictured with his Mom, Masami, and Muriel's Angels founder, John Ludwig.
100% of the DONATIONS GO TO THE FAMILIES IN NEED!
Completed Projects:
Van Delivery for Sarkis Family
FIRST VAN DELIVERY OF 2023. In attendance were Muriel's Angels board members: Raydell Kelly, Anthony Minite, Jay Mills, John Ludwig, and Dale Hight, with Tiffany Harville, the principal of La Paz’s Intermediate School, and Anthony’s mother, Laura, and his sister Janice.
Anthony is a 14 year old boy who has a medical condition called Spina Bifida. He is a wonderful kid. However, due to his medical condition, many things have changed for him. Because of Anthony's chronic pain, he stopped doing so many things that he used to enjoy, including not wanting to go to school anymore because it was really painful for him to get in the car. As Anthony's mom, there was nothing I could do to help with his pain, and so I started feeling guilty. But something changed! We met John Ludwig, all thanks to Tony's therapist, Susan Hoang and Tiffany Harville, the principal at La Paz Middle School.
Since meeting John and the Charity, Muriel's Angels, Tony started to smile again. He even always asked about John. And when we received an adapted van from Muriel's Angel's, it was a dream come true for our whole family!
Tony now smiles and says, "Let's go in the van!" Today was the first day in weeks that he was able to stay a complete day in school and enjoy the road with no pain. He also listens to John's advice. We are so happy!
There are no words to thank you guys enough for MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE. Anthony's happiness and safety are my biggest treasures. Thank you and God bless you, MURIEL'S ANGELS!
--- Laura Sarkis
Van Delivery for Moguel Family
Jareth Moguel and family finally get their wheelchair accessible van! The delivery was attended by Jareth's parents Karina and Juan, and his siblings, and Valadez Middle School Academy Principal, Dr. Christa Borgese.
Jareth has Muscular Dystrophy and as a result, his physical condition is greatly compromised. He is confined to a wheelchair. Jareth is now 14 years old, and his weight has made it difficult for his family to get him into a vehicle that is not wheelchair accessible.
Get to Know the Founder:
John Ludwig
Elks Lodge Wheelchair Donation
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE --- We are happy to announce that Muriel's Angels received a number of brand new wheelchairs from the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. The first of these chairs was given to Anthony Sarkis, pictured here with the wheelchair accessible van that the family received last week from Muriel's Angels. Many thanks to the Missio Viejo Elk's Lodge, especially Rich Encinas, who helped put this together!
Stroller Delivery for Sal
The Soto-Ruan family received a custom fitted Covaid EZ Rider Stroller that was much needed for their son Salvador, age 10 yrs, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. The delivery was attended by John Ludwig and Anthony Minite of Muriel’s Angels, and Dale Hight of Aero Mobility.
I am so deeply grateful to Muriel’s Angels for their incredible generosity in gifting an adaptive stroller for one of the families that I serve. John and his team have truly exceeded our expectations and have provided a safe and secure way of transporting their child to and from medical appointments, as well as community outings. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and support.
– Stacey, OT California Children's Services
Hope School Wheelchairs Repair
January 18, 2023
A message from the Principal of Hope School, Louie LeMonnier:
A huge thank you to Muriel's Angels for again coming to the rescue by assisting us in repairing all of our broken school wheelchairs! We are beyond grateful for the support of Muriel's Angels! Not only did they repair all of our school's wheelchairs, but through the past several years, they have also stepped up to support many of our families in need of a vehicle to transport their children who use a wheelchair. Muriel's Angels your kindness and generosity have made such a positive impact on our students and their families. Thank you for all that you do for our community!
November Completed Project:
Andrew Ruiz
Muriel's Angels donates a brand new wheelchair to Hope School student, Andrew Ruiz! His Mom, Danielle, writes:
"We are very grateful for the wheelchair that Muriel's Angels donated to Andrew. His previous wheelchair was so uncomfortable and in desperate need of repair. Thanks to this wonderful donation, we can now transport Andrew safely. Thank you for such a kind gesture!
Best,
Danielle Ruiz"
October Completed Projects:
Double Donation, Double Celebration!
Muriel’s Angels is back in full swing recently delivering two brand new custom wheelchairs to Hope School students, Amy Martinez Cortes and Nayeli Galvez. The meeting was held in AeroMobility Anaheim, California and was attended by the Cortes and Galvez families, alongside Hope School community liaison, Yinny Pascual-Molina, and teacher, Jennifer Hung. Event coverage was by the Charity's social media manager, Cyril Lumboy.
Amy is a new recipient of the Charity. Since it has been several years when she last replaced her wheelchair, she was in need of a new one that provided better support and comfort. Amy lives with a list of medical conditions that include Down Syndrome, Hypotonia, and Arthralgia.
Catching Up with Sandra!
Past recipient Sandra Perez meets up with Muriel's Angels for some tasty tamales delivery! It's amazing to see Sweet Sandra doing well, and in her very own words --- thriving!
100% of the DONATIONS GO TO THE FAMILIES IN NEED!
Catching Up with Nayeli!
Nayeli is a returning recipient as she first received her wheelchair from the Charity back in December, 2021. She is back for a wheelchair that better accommodates her size.
Both wheelchairs were provided at absolutely no cost to the families!
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Other news...
Our Board President and Founder's affiliation with the Paralyzed Veterans of America California Chapter has induced the Board to vote to include helping those veterans who have non-service connected mobility issues. That is, Veterans who have served, but were not on active duty when their injury occurred. These are the Vets that are not fully supported by the VA and may need limited financial help with vehicle down payment assistance up to $5000.
A Message from Muriel's Angels
Greetings from The Board of Muriel's Angels and a happy and prosperous 2022!
We ended 2021 with the gifting of a new wheelchair accessible van to the Ali Family, and their 2 children. A heartfelt Christmas present it was. This was the 4th wheelchair van we donated this past year with no cost to the families. We also have donated other needs to some of these families who have children with these special needs.
The upcoming year has started with the near completion of a project that has been a long time coming: that is working on necessary paperwork with an insurance company to help support our donation towards the purchase of a new van for the Garcia Family, Gus and his son Aiden. Normally, families who need our assistance do not have the support of insurance or state agencies to help them with the funds to purchase one of these wheelchair accessible vans. Thus, our Charity bears the total cost for these vehicles.
Our newest project is such a family. We are presently raising funds to provide Jareth Moguel's family with a much needed accessible van for their transportation needs. Jareth is a 14 year old child/student that suffers from Muscular Dystrophy.
I am proud to say our small Charity, Muriel's Angels, has garnered much recognition from various social agencies in Southern California, and we are only limited by our funding to support these needs. Remember that 100% of money donated goes to servicing these projects.
For those who need documentation for your taxes our EIN # 82-2622082.
All the best and much thanks to those who have donated to our cause.
John Ludwig,
Founder
Past Projects
Van Fitting with Anthony
Final adjustments are taken on the wheelchair accessible van that will be given to Anthony Sarkis’ family by the end of February.
With Dale Hight, Anthony’s mother, Laura, and Board Secretary, Lyn Brown, of Muriel’s Angels.
UPDATE: We have located a van for Anthony and are now ensuring it would fit his needs!
The Charity kicked-off the New Year with van measurements assessment for Anthony Sarkis. The meeting was attended by Anthony's mom, Laura, Principal of La Paz Intermediate School, Tiffany Harville, along with John Ludwig and Dale Hight of Muriel's Angels.
Muriel's Angels continues to work with Aero Mobility. We are truly grateful for their ongoing assistance in helping our Charity complete a number of our projects.
