05/09/2026
My name is Kierra Gist, and I am vice president and co-founder of The Go Shawn Go Foundation, a non-profit my husband and I started to support families facing life altering disability when returning home. I am a 2007 alumni of Chautauqua Lake Central school. Our daughter, Margo, is currently attending CLCS in Mrs. LaCross's classroom and our youngest daughter, Ridley, will be attending preschool at CLCCS in the fall.
This fall (October 4th, 2026) the Go Shawn Go Foundation is partnering with Nazareth University Physical Therapy Department to put on a fundraiser event. “The Accessible 5K at Nazareth University” through this event, we are sponsoring 3 families (2 from Monroe County and 1 from Chautauqua County) on supporting 3 young families facing life altering disability through our foundation's 5 pillars: Food, Shelter, Outdoors, Freedom and Resource.
Go Shawn Go Foundation, Inc. Origin Story
In 2024, Shawn experienced a life altering disability, losing the mobility of the left side of his body. Coming home disabled, our family navigated this new normal alone and learned a lot along the way. That’s when we created the Go Shawn Go Foundation, Inc. to support families in their transition to living life with disability through 5 pillars. Food, Shelter, Resource, Freedom, Resource.
Mission & Pillars of the Go Shawn Go Foundation, Inc.
Food: Nutrition is difficult to prepare beyond 2 or 3 step meals. We provide nutritious meal options that are accessible.
Shelter: Going home with a disability is challenging. We help provide access to their home with ramps, grab bars, chair lifts, shower mobility, bidets and dictation smart home devices
Outdoors: It’s not enough to meet the basics of home. The Go Shawn Go Foundation provides mobility chairs, outdoor mobility chairs, accessible trails, accessible playgrounds and ability-inclusive events.
Freedom: Not only is the family facing life altering disability but also navigating the cost of running a home as a family, then the family is faced with the financial burden of medical bills on top of balancing everything else. We provide financial relief for young families navigating life with disability.
Resource: Coming home with a disability isn’t just physical, it affects your family relationships, career and personal growth. We provide resources for mental health to navigate this new normal. Also, returning to normal hobbies, restaurants and travel the go Shawn Go Foundation is a resource for how to do it when living with disability.
Criteria to Apply
1. Someone in the family, adult or child, must be faced with a life altering disability.
2. Someone ages 0 - 18 years old must live in the family residence.
Application
https://bit.ly/48PD5AV
Here is a link to directly view and submit an application. We've attached a flyer with a short link and QR code, along with our letter of intent from Nazareth University to apply to our Family Sponsor Application. Deadline to submit is June 10th.
Please spread the word, and encourage people to apply or nominate a family who might be a good fit for our resources!
Please let us know if you have any additional questions or would like to meet to further discuss The Accessible 5K Event. Please visit our website for more information about the Go Shawn Go Foundation nonprofit.
www.goshawngo.org
