About Us

KEEP ON KEEPING ON is a nonprofit organization assisting those living with severe physical disabilities and educating and empowering others to make a difference in their community


Who We Are

The Keep On Keeping On Team (TEAM KOKO) consists of a group of caring volunteers eager to make a difference in the Special Needs Community.

Our focus is to both assist and raise awareness for those living with severe physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy. It will forever be our duty to help others see more than just a "chair" or a disability, but to see an individual who has a lot to offer. We believe that anything is possible, and we will never give up on those who need our help most. We live by a simple motto: As long as you have a pulse, you must never give up, you must always...Keep On Keeping On!

 

OUR HISTORY

Our Founder and President Tim Wambach met Mike Berkson in the summer of 2001. Mike at the time was a 12-year old kid, living with Cerebral Palsy. Mike’s sense of humor and overall attitude towards life inspired Tim to help others like Mike, and to educate and empower the rest. In the Spring of 2005 Tim wrote the book “Keep On Keeping On” (updated and republished as “How We Roll”), the story of his relationship with Mike. To create even more Awareness, Tim organized a 1-man run where he was to cover the distance between Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL during the month of August 2005. This run brought together the founding members of what is now The Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Dave Kunicki and Dan Joyce were pulled to the cause, and assisted Tim during his run. Shortly after, they started planning how to keep the momentum going and continue to raise awareness for the Special Needs Community. The team planned an annual christmas fundraiser called “Santa Cause” that has proved to be wildly successful. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to what they were trying to do proved to Tim, Dave and Dan that their calling was on a much larger scale. Armed with a dream and a call to action they received 501(c)(3) tax status in August 2007, and The Keep On Keeping On Foundation was born. KOKO now has a team of over 50 year-round volunteers, and hosts several fundraisers and special events each year to assist and raise awareness for those living with severe physical disabilites.

The following video details more of our history, and gives a glimpse into the daily struggles of Mike and people like him. Please enjoy:

 

How We Help

More than half the people afflicted with severe physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy need to use braces, walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices to help get them around. Some may require special medical care, educational and social services, and other help throughout their lives from both their families and their communities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the average lifetime cost associated with these afflictions is roughly $1 million per person and climbing. Team KOKO is dedicated to alleviating a portion of the costs for these individuals in any way we can, and to continually spread the word to others that more help is desperately needed. Since launching in August 2007, we have accepted over 80 individual cases: purchasing necessary medical equipment, needed therapy sessions, and assisting with other outstanding medical bills for those in need.

 

KEEP ON KEEPING ON MISSION

Our mission is to assist those living with severe physical disabilities and to educate and empower others to make a difference in their community.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON VISION

KOKO has two main goals:

1) Helping to alleviate the enormous monetary cost of living with a severe physical disability

2) Being a leading advocate for the physically disabled

We will accomplish this by maximizing our reach both in the Chicagoland area and beyond. We will continue to team up with the most motivated volunteers and advocates to help improve the lives of those we serve.

Read more about our Awareness & Programs.