Friends of the Forgotten

30/10/2026

The Epoch Times has featured our founder, John Foppe, in a new article about Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology—and how greater independence is opening doors for people with disabilities.

For John, the impact reaches far beyond the driver’s seat.

Less fatigue and greater freedom to travel mean more energy to build relationships, meet with supporters, and advance our mission of connecting disabled adult mentors with isolated disabled children throughout the developing world.

As John explains in the article, that freedom allows him to arrive with more energy to share our mission and build the support these children need.

Technology can remove barriers. What matters is what we do with the freedom it gives us.

We’re grateful to journalist Helen Billings for including Friends of the Forgotten in this important story.

Read the article:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/teslas-full-self-driving-feature-a-game-changer-say-some-commuters-disabled-drivers-6103805

27/10/2026

Belonging shouldn't have an expiration date.

For children with disabilities who experience isolation, the need for connection doesn't end when childhood does. Every person deserves to be known, valued and included — not just for a season of life, but throughout it.

At Friends of the Forgotten, we believe meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging are essential to a life of dignity and connection.

Because growing up should never mean growing out of the opportunity to belong.

Learn more about our mission: https://www.friendsforgotten.org/

23/10/2026

Sometimes the unexpected turns into something extraordinary!

During a recent visit to Austria, our founder, John Foppe, went paragliding over the Alps with Gabriel from .

His experience is a reminder to stay open to new opportunities and step beyond your comfort zone—values that inspire our work at Friends of the Forgotten. Our missionary mentors build friendships and bring hope to children with disabilities who too often feel forgotten.

Sometimes, extraordinary things begin with saying yes.

Thanks to and for an unforgettable experience!

23/10/2026

Our mission is finding its way into some important conversations.

This week, our founder, John Foppe, met with Bishop Godfrey Mullen of Belleville and Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis.

Our conversations centered on faith, service, and hope—and the need to be bold in a world filled with so much suffering. We discussed the importance of moving beyond good intentions to personal encounter, accompaniment, and meaningful action.

A child can receive food, shelter, and medical care, yet remain impoverished in one of the most fundamental ways imaginable: the absence of meaningful human relationships.

Through missionary mentorship, Friends of the Forgotten is working to change that reality for children with disabilities living in isolation.

We're grateful to both bishops for their encouragement and support of our mission, and for reminding us that even in a hurting world, hope can be made tangible through service.

Learn more: www.friendsforgotten.org

18/10/2026

We’re in the news!

From Tesla’s self-driving technology to children with disabilities halfway around the world—there’s a connection worth sharing.

Today, the Belleville News-Democrat published a feature on Friends of the Forgotten founder John Foppe and how Tesla’s self-driving technology is changing his life after more than 40 years of driving without arms.

But beyond the technology lies a deeper story—one that began in 1987 with a young boy in a Haitian hospital and ultimately helped inspire Friends of the Forgotten.

Today, our mission is to connect children with disabilities living in poverty and isolation with adult mentors who understand their challenges firsthand—offering hope, encouragement, and belonging.

As John says in the article, people with disabilities deserve to be “participants instead of spectators” in life.

We’re grateful to the Belleville News-Democrat for sharing John’s story and shining a light on children whose stories too often go untold.

Read the article:
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article317640387.html

❤️ Support our mission:
https://www.friendsforgotten.org/

Tesla posted a video of John Foppe with his Model Y that was shared by owner Elon Musk and his mother, garnering millions of views.

14/10/2026

Zig Ziglar saw something in me before I could see it in myself.

What he taught me went far beyond the stage—and helped lead me to found Friends of the Forgotten.

This Friday, I’ll be at the Ziglar 100 celebration to honor my mentor. Join us in Franklin, Tennessee, to celebrate his legacy and discover what it can mean for your life: https://ziglar100.com/

Watch this tribute to see how his belief in me is now reaching disabled children who need someone to believe in them.

Help carry that legacy forward: https://www.friendsforgotten.org/

13/10/2026

Nine years fighting for her life. Now showing a new friend around her Austrian Alps.

Our founder, John Foppe, met Maria Brandstätter from Tyrol through the Tesla Club Austria. After an accident at 19, Maria endured a drug-resistant infection and nine years of pain before an amputation finally saved her life.

John was amazed to watch her navigate steep Alpine hairpin turns with her right arm. He drives with his feet. Their friendship began with an understanding of the challenges each has faced—and how much each still has to give.

That belief is at the heart of Friends of the Forgotten. We connect disabled adult mentors with isolated disabled children throughout the developing world. Through their presence, mentors offer a powerful message: “You are not alone. You matter. You have gifts to give.”

A shared experience can open the door to belonging.

Discover our mission and how you can be part of it:
https://www.friendsforgotten.org/

12/10/2026

A familiar face in an unexpected place!

A friend’s son spotted our founder, John Foppe, on screen at Tesla’s Santa Monica showroom, where his FSD story is playing.

More people seeing possibility in disability—that’s something to celebrate. It’s also what our mentors bring to isolated children with disabilities: a reason to imagine more for themselves.

Thank you, Tesla, for sharing John’s story!

https://www.friendsforgotten.org

12/10/2026

"It's my presence that moves the needle, not what I do." ❤️

Hear from Craig as he shares why being a mentor with Friends of the Forgotten is so meaningful and why people with disabilities have so much to offer.

Your lived experience can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.

Watch Craig’s story and discover how you can become a mentor. Visit https://www.friendsforgotten.org/become-a-mentor to learn more.

10/10/2026

John’s Tesla story has traveled across the Atlantic! 🇦🇹

While in Vienna, Tesla Club Austria invited John to today’s opening of a new Tesla store location. Thank you for the invitation and warm welcome—and a chance to meet Optimus, Tesla’s robot!

What began as a story about driving with my feet continues to open doors to new connections and opportunities to share the mission of Friends of the Forgotten.

As he tell Tesla, “Mobility isn’t just about where I can go. It’s about who I can reach.”

Grateful to see that message reaching farther.