Chelsea’s Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with disabilities, is set to celebrate its renewed mission with a community block party on March 22, 2024. This festive event marks a significant milestone for the organization, which has been inspired by Chelsea Fabiszak, who is turning 34 years old this year, despite being diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at a young age.
Chelsea’s journey began with a dire prognosis, as doctors initially predicted she would not live past the age of nine. Today, she is a vibrant member of her community, known for her involvement with the San Diego State University Dance Team and her love for country music concerts. Although she faces challenges related to her condition, including reliance on a wheelchair and assistance with daily activities, Chelsea continues to inspire those around her.
According to her mother, Veleria Pittman-Fabiszak, the motivation behind Chelsea’s Voice is clear: “Families are overwhelmed with therapies, appointments, education battles and medical issues. Advocating becomes exhausting. We want Chelsea’s Voice to be a place where people can say, ‘I need help,’ and not feel alone.”
The upcoming block party aims to foster community connections while providing essential resources for caregivers and families. Attendees can look forward to live music from the Busted Spurs Duo, face painting, line dancing, and a chili and rib cook-off. Pittman-Fabiszak intentionally chose a casual setting to encourage wider participation, stating, “My philosophy is spend less, make more. If you can have fun while doing it, even better.”
Chelsea’s Voice began as a grassroots initiative in 2018, raising over $18,000 during its inaugural event. The organization faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of its major fundraiser in March 2020. Nevertheless, Pittman-Fabiszak adapted the nonprofit’s approach, implementing smaller fundraising efforts and delivering holiday gifts to families in need throughout San Diego County.
During this time, she also personally navigated Chelsea’s health complications and a divorce, but remained committed to relaunching Chelsea’s Voice. “While being in the hospital, I knew I needed to make [Chelsea’s Voice] something,” said Pittman-Fabiszak. “Chelsea is going through these things for a reason. Her story is not done.”
The importance of social connection for individuals with disabilities cannot be overstated, as Pittman-Fabiszak has witnessed how Chelsea thrives in stimulating environments. “When she’s around people and stimulation, she’s more alert, she’s smiling, she’s more engaged,” she noted. “When that’s taken away, she regresses. Humans are meant to be around other humans.”
In addition to serving families, Chelsea’s Voice is also working to develop an accessible playground at Spreckels Park. Pittman-Fabiszak emphasizes the need for community inclusivity, stating, “It’s important to have the community open and accessible, so those with disabilities are visible in the community. It’s not a playground for those with disabilities. It’s a playground for everyone.”
She highlights previous efforts to create accessible parks in Coronado that fell short, and is currently in discussions with city leaders to enhance recreational options for children of all abilities. “It’s not about making the community better and more inclusive for those with disabilities; it’s about making it better for everyone,” she added.
Pittman-Fabiszak believes that engagement with Chelsea and others with disabilities can enrich the lives of community members. “If you spend time with Chelsea, she makes you better at whatever you do,” she stated. The impact of her advocacy has led to positive changes in the lives of those who interact with Chelsea, inspiring students to pursue higher education and encouraging parents to embrace their own children’s experiences.
The mission of Chelsea’s Voice extends beyond individual families; it aims to cultivate a community where no one feels isolated. “When people hear the real story — the hardships and the victories — they connect,” Pittman-Fabiszak explained. “This isn’t just about one family. This is about building a community.”
The organization is actively seeking board members, volunteers, and student involvement, particularly from local teens interested in contributing skills such as video production, website development, or event support. Those wishing to connect with Chelsea’s Voice can reach out to Veleria Pittman-Fabiszak at 619-996-3046.
As the block party approaches, excitement builds around Chelsea’s Voice and its commitment to fostering inclusion and support for families facing the challenges associated with disabilities.
