About
Who We Are
Get to Know Us
Shawn and Kierra Gist established the Go Shawn Go Foundation in 2025. Shawn, a former athlete and sports enthusiast, was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019.
After experiencing a rapid progression of his condition — transitioning from athletic competition to using a wheelchair in just five years — they created the foundation to support young families facing similar challenges with life-threatening medical conditions in Western New York.
Our organization is committed to serving communities in the Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier Regions.
Our Purpose
Our foundation focues on five key initiatives:
FOOD:
ACCESSIBLE NUTRITION FOR EVERY ABILITY
Many families rely on fast food or instant meals due to fatigue, limited mobility, or time constraints. Our foundation ensures they can access nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals that do not require extensive steps.
SHELTER:
SAFE, ACCESSIBLE HOMES FOR ALL
Empower families to transform their homes into spaces that are safe, accessible, and supportive of independence. We will provide financial support for accessibility modifications and smart technology.
OUTDOORS:
ACCESS TO NATURE, ADVENTURE, AND PLAY
Our goal is to ensure everyone, regardless of mobility, can explore the outdoors. We want to build accessible infrastructure, host inclusive events, and secure adaptive equipment through mobility partnerships.
FREEDOM:
MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF FOR FAMILIES
Provide financial breathing room so families can focus on health, healing, and long-term independence. Our goal is to offer relief for up to one year's worth of medical debt, determined by need.
RESOURCE:
A DIGITAL HUB FOR ACCESSIBLE LIVING
We want to empower users with one trusted, customizable platform for navigating life with a disability. Our goal is to develop a Go Shawn Go mobile app and website offering trusted accessibility listings and resources.
Our Leadership
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By supporting these families in our communities, we aim to transform the challenges of disability into opportunities for growth, adventure, and connection. Together, we can help families continue to "go" despite the obstacles they face.
Join us! When we move forward together, there's no limit to where we can go.
Our Mission
The Go Shawn Go Foundation is dedicated to empowering families affected by Multiple Sclerosis and similar disabilities through financial support, unforgettable experiences, enhanced mobility solutions, and mental health resources. Founded by Shawn and Kierra Gist after their personal journey with MS, we understand the unexpected challenges families face when a loved one is diagnosed with a disability.
Our Vision
We believe that a disability diagnosis shouldn't limit a family's quality of life, adventures, or financial security. The Go Shawn Go Foundation envisions communities where families affected by MS and similar disabilities receive comprehensive support that addresses not just physical needs, but emotional and experiential ones as well.
My diagnosis wasn't the end of my story—it was the beginning of a new chapter where we discovered strength we never knew we had. - Shawn Gist