Schuyler Arakawa’s Special Needs Trust: 2026 Fundraiser

Dear Schuyler’s Community,

Since our last fundraiser, Schuyler has continued to make immense progress. With support from the trust, she attends monthly targeted physical therapy at NextStep in Orlando, Florida, where she is getting stronger and closer to walking independently. She has also started aqua therapy and adaptive gymnastics to further build her balance and mobility.

Beyond her physical achievements, Schuyler has built an extraordinary community. She is an active participant in The Ashmere Project, a summer camp for individuals with disabilities, and she was crowned Miss Wheelchair Florida in 2025, going on to compete at Nationals in Michigan.

While these successes are tremendous, Schuyler still faces many challenges — both day-to-day and long-term. In order to support her ongoing medical care and therapy, as well as build financial stability for her future, we are launching a second fundraiser for Schuyler’s Special Needs Trust in recognition of the 10-year anniversary since her accident.

The 2026 Fundraising Campaign

Frequently Asked Questions

We are launching a 101-day fundraising campaign running from February 19 through May 31, beginning on the 10th anniversary of her accident and ending on her 33rd birthday. 

Schuyler is constantly setting (and crushing) goals for herself - to walk down the aisle at Saya’s wedding, use the restroom independently, and travel back to Yale for her 10-year reunion! To celebrate Schuyler’s incredible progress — and to continue investing in her health, independence, and future — we are asking you all to do the same. We are inviting friends, family, and supporters to set a personal goal in Schuyler’s honor, and use that goal to raise funds for the trust. Examples include:

  • Running or walking a 10K

  • Completing a bike race

  • Reading a set number of pages or books

Participants can take part independently or organize local hubs (for example, a group walk or run in New York City, Boston, or another community).

Every act of generosity — large or small — strengthens the foundation for Schuyler’s long-term independence, security, and joy.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping Schuyler continue her incredible journey, and for being part of the community that has lifted her up every step of the way.

1. You did a fundraiser 5 years ago, why another one now?

Schuyler has made a lot of progress over the past 5 years. It has also become clearer what Schuyler’s long-term needs will be. The funds we raised five years ago have been integral to Schuyler’s continued progress, and we have made solid investments for her future. In order to ensure stability for Schuy in both the short and long term, we are hoping to raise more funds for Schuyler’s trust. 

2. What are some examples of how the funds are managed/spent?

  • The funds are managed in an investment account by our financial advisor

  • Physical Therapy at NextStep Orlando

  • Travel and lodging for physical therapy trips, camps (Ashmere Project), important events (Yale College Reunions)

3. I am not comfortable/able to contribute to this trust right now. Can I contribute to Schuyler in another way?

Yes! There are many other meaningful ways to contribute, such as:

  • Sponsoring an experience for Schuyler, such as flights to Ashmere or Physical Therapy at NextStep.

    • If you are interested in contributing to Schuyler’s PT appointments at NextStep, here is the information: Write a check to NextStep Fitness, Inc., 277 Douglas Avenue #1006, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 with Schuyler’s name in the memo line or donate here with Schuyler’s name in the comments section. Your full gift goes towards immediate impact this year! 

  • Hosting Schuyler when she visits your city

  • Scheduling a visit to Tampa 

4. What is a Special Needs Trust?

A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds and manages assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. The trust can be used to pay for supplemental expenses—such as therapies, education, or quality-of-life supports—that enhance the individual’s well-being beyond what public programs cover.

  • Contribute to the Trust for long-term impact – information can be found here. We note that gifts to her trust are taxable, and we recommend including any gifts you make when filing taxes / share any gifts you make with your accountant.

  • Contribute to her account at NextStep for additional PT sessions - If you would like to fund Schuyler's physical therapy more directly, you can fund Schuyler’s future appointments at NextStep. You are not making a taxable gift by funding these sessions, and by writing out a check to NextStep Fitness, Inc., 277 Douglas Avenue #1006, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 with Schuyler’s name in the memo line or donating here with Schuyler’s name in the comments section, you can dedicate your full gift toward immediate impact this year! 

  • Donate to NextStep - By supporting NextStep’s general programming, you make possible both its specialized physical therapy and social events for members of Schuyler’s community. NextStep Orlando (26-2998891) is a 501(c)(3) organization and gifts to NextStep are tax deductible.