Teacher Fundraises for Wheelchair Accessible Van Now

TJ Wall– a local substitute and upcoming teacher– is currently hosting a fundraiser for a 2026 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, a vehicle that will help him navigate his busy schedule and life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Wall lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2– a genetic neuromuscular disorder he inherited at birth– which has caused him to live in a wheelchair throughout his entire life. Though the biggest setback has been a hefty battle with Medicaid, where he was never allowed ownership of more than $2,000 in assets. “Not savings, not property– assets, period,” TJ explained.

Regardless of his circumstances, Wall has always been busy and heavily involved in the ArkLaTex, whether it be his passion for sports or his early career in public education acting as a substitute.

During his time at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, he was a writer and reporter for Fox Sports Texarkana covering high school football in the area. He also helps with Trinity Sports, getting NFL and MLB players to help teach kids baseball and football in their camps. He hopes to become a football coach at the high school or collegiate level in the future.

In his free time, he enjoys watching sports at any level, from watching his brother Eli Wall play for the Arkansas High School Razorbacks to the professional level with the Texas Rangers.

On the academic side, TJ has been just as busy, graduating from Texas High School during the pandemic in 2020 and earning his Associate’s Degree from Texarkana College. The following year, he would earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, pivoting to education shortly after. Now, as the 2026-2027 school year begins, TJ is one credit away from his Master’s in Education, only needing a one-semester student internship with a teacher.

Throughout the past school year, TJ has been substituting across Texarkana, with his first job at Trinity Christian School. With this early step into his career in teaching, it allows him to find his strengths. “It kind of gives me an idea for the future of what I want to do and who I want to work for,” he said. However, once he becomes a full-time teacher, he will need better transportation than the Dodge he’s had for the better part of a decade. That’s when he decided to start his current fundraiser.

Wall is currently aiming to raise $60,000 for a 2026 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, with an additional estimated $40,000 conversion to make the Hybrid accessible for his wheelchair. “The state of Arkansas covers the conversion,” TJ explained. “Your donation covers the vehicle. Together, that’s what puts me in a classroom — and one day, on a sideline.”

To donate, go to Wall on Facebook,

Donation app links:

CashApp: $TJWall2002

Venmo: @TJWall2002

PayPal: @TJWall2002

Zelle: (903) 244-6228

The great way to donate is the Help Hope Live link on his Facebook page, because the non-profit group helps protect his Medicaid eligibility.