{"id":189388,"date":"2026-02-23T00:43:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T00:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/189388\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T00:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T00:43:10","slug":"chelseas-voice-returns-with-community-block-party-renewed-mission-to-support-families-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/189388\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea’s Voice returns with community block party, renewed mission to support families with disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Chelsea Fabiszak is turning 34 years old in March. The nonprofit Chelsea\u2019s Voice is celebrating with a block party on March 22.<\/p>\n

Chelsea Fabiszak wasn\u2019t supposed to live past the age of nine. As young a child, she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a severe neuro-developmental disorder causing regression in motor and language skills.<\/p>\n

But with the help of her community, her medical team, and the advocacy of her family, Chelsea is now turning 34 years old. While she is bound to a wheelchair and cannot walk, talk or eat independently, Chelsea is a celebrated member of the community. She\u2019s an honorary member of the San Diego State University Dance Team, an avid attender of country music shows, and, most of all, an inspiration to all with whom she comes in contact.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s also the inspiration behind Chelsea\u2019s Voice, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping people and families with disabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies are overwhelmed with therapies, appointments, education battles and medical issues,\u201d said Veleria Pittman-Fabiszak, Chelsea\u2019s mom and creator of Chelsea\u2019s Voice. \u201cAdvocating becomes exhausting. We want Chelsea\u2019s Voice to be a place where people can say, \u2018I need help,\u2019 and not feel alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

This spring, Chelsea\u2019s Voice is relaunching with a festive, casual, family-friendly block party on March 22 to share its mission: supporting caregivers, connecting families with resources, and promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities of all ages.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Guests will enjoy live music by Busted Spurs Duo (led by local musician Gonzo), face painting, line dancing, a chili and rib cook-off and more. Rather than a formal gala, Pittman-Fabiszak intentionally chose a casual neighborhood gathering to encourage participation.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy philosophy is spend less, make more,\u201d said Pittman-Fabiszak. \u201cIf you can have fun while doing it, even better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not only will the nonprofit help families secure medical equipment or respite, but it could be something as simple as providing an emotional boost.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all need compassion,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd sometimes, it starts with just showing up for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s Voice originally began as a grassroots effort in 2018, with its first event earning more than $18,000. But momentum was halted when COVID hit, forcing the cancellation of its major fundraiser in March 2020. Pittman-Fabiszak said the nonprofit switched gears, coming up with other creative ways to help families.<\/p>\n

This included small fundraising efforts and holiday gift deliveries across San Diego County. Pittman-Fabiszak remembers dressing up as Mrs. Claus and visiting families isolating during the pandemic, offering socially-distanced encouragement and holiday cheer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was really special,\u201d said Pittman-Fabiszak. \u201cParents weren\u2019t expecting anyone to show up for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

But in the years since, the nonprofit took a back seat to Chelsea\u2019s personal health struggles: she faced numerous challenges and endured long stays in the intensive care unit. Pittman-Fabiszak also navigated a divorce. But she made a promise to relaunch Chelsea\u2019s Voice as soon as she could.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile being in the hospital, I knew I needed to make [Chelsea\u2019s Voice] something,\u201d said Pittman-Fabiszak. \u201cChelsea is going through these things for a reason. Her story is not done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Chelsea\u2019s Voice visited families with disabilities during the pandemic to bring some holiday cheer.<\/p>\n

Pittman-Fabiszak says that life can be very isolating for those with disabilities and their caregivers.<\/p>\n

But social connection plays a critical role in health outcomes for people with disabilities. She\u2019s seen first-hand how Chelsea\u2019s physical and emotional well-being improves after attending events, watching concerts or being a part of community gatherings.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen she\u2019s around people and stimulation, she\u2019s more alert, she\u2019s smiling, she\u2019s more engaged,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen that\u2019s taken away, she regresses. Humans are meant to be around other humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Chelsea is an honorary member of the San Diego State University dance team.<\/p>\n

Without social connection, said Fabiszak, the disability takes over.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s one of the reasons why she\u2019s spearheading the development of an accessible playground at Spreckels Park.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to have the community open and accessible, so those with disabilities are visible in the community,\u201d said Pittman-Fabiszak. \u201cIt\u2019s not a playground for those with disabilities. Its a playground for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said previous efforts to create accessible parks in Coronado missed the mark. She\u2019s in contact with city leaders to renew efforts to expand recreation options in Coronado, including efforts to improve playground accessibility so children of all abilities can play together.<\/p>\n

Pittman-Fabiszak says that it\u2019s not about making the community better and more inclusive for those with disabilities; it\u2019s about making it better for everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never wanted Chelsea to impede anyone else\u2019s experience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In fact, she says, time spent with Chelsea or others with disabilities could actually benefit the entire community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you spend time with Chelsea, she makes you better at whatever you do,\u201d she said. \u201cIt might take a little bit of effort, a little bit more work, but the reward is far beyond that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She says Chelsea has inspired kids to go to college and embark on professional journeys they wouldn\u2019t have imagined without knowing her. Mothers who have grown up with Chelsea have called Pittman-Fabiszak and thanked her for putting Chelsea in Girl Scouts, sharing that their time together informed them about experiences they have with their own children, some of whom have disabilities.<\/p>\n

For Pittman-Fabiszak, it\u2019s all about exposure \u2014 creating a community where those with disabilities are included and visible to everyone else, and vice versa. Hopefully, with a little education, the community can come out stronger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen people hear the real story \u2014 the hardships and the victories \u2014 they connect,\u201d she said. \u201cThis isn\u2019t just about one family. This is about building a community where no one feels isolated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s Voice is seeking board members, volunteers, and student involvement, particularly local teens who might want to contribute skills such as video production, website development, or event support. To connect with Chelsea\u2019s Voice, contact Veleria Pittman-Fabiszak at 619-996-3046.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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