My name is Marcel Riley. I have a beautiful 4-year-old nonverbal autistic daughter, Mae-Ella Riley. After her mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer, everything changed for our family. As I watched my girlfriend fight with such strength and courage, I realized that traveling to inclusive sensory parks this summer for Mae-Ella would be a challenge. That inspired me to create a sensory-friendly space in our own backyard—a place where my family could find joy, comfort, and connection.
 

The response was overwhelming. And in watching my little girl light up in that backyard, I found a deeper purpose. That’s when I started a petition to replace the abandoned playground at Abbott Court in our neighborhood with a sensory-friendly space designed for all children of all abilities—a place where every child can feel safe, welcome, and included. With the approval of this space, we are one step closer to making this dream a reality, and my family and I are incredibly grateful.

Now we need your help. We need to raise community support and funding to make this a reality for Mae-Ella and the other children of Fall River.