Amazeum announces contribution

The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation, recently presented a $25,000 check to the Amazeum leadership team that will help the interactive venue be more accessible to children with disabilities.

The funds will be used to install the lift that allows disabled children access to a former Wal-Mart semi-truck, which will be placed inside the museum and contain multiple activities for children to experience while inside the vehicle.

“This will allow all children to participate in this display,” said Meredith Woodruff, who started the foundation in 2011 with her husband, Patrick, following the death of their infant son. Miller McNeil Woodruff lived for 87 days before his life was cut short by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

“Our goal for the Amazeum is to make it a fun, positive and educational experience for everyone, so having this lift to give access to this display is highly appreciated,” said Sam Dean, executive director of the Amazeum. “This is a major contribution to the mission of the Amazeum.”

The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation traditionally makes contributions toward Arkansas Children’s Hospital and causes that benefit families dealing with SMA. But according to Woodruff, her husband learned about the Amazeum in its early stages and they were both excited to support it in a meaningful way.

The lift will include a special plaque that acknowledges the Foundation. The donation was made in memory of Taylor McKeen Shelton, another Arkansas child who passed away in June from  SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Children).

“After Taylor’s passing, his parents chose to have memorial donations made to The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation. The donations we received in Taylor’s memory were overwhelming so we wanted to do something special to honor him. This seemed like the perfect fit,” said Meredith Woodruff.

She hopes the lift and the plaque help raise awareness about SMA, SUDC, neuromuscular diseases in general and support for all children with disabilities.