Give Owen Leavitt the ride of his life in the open air.

Help Owen Leavitt Ride Free: A Polaris Slingshot for Joy

Hello, friends and supporters. The East Pennsboro Community is reaching out on behalf of the Leavitt family to ask for your help in bringing more joy and freedom to Owen’s life.

Meet Owen

Owen Leavitt was born on August 5, 2010. From his very first days, Owen has faced more challenges than most of us will ever know. He was born with severe and profound hearing loss, and after a year of tests and specialists, his family received the heartbreaking diagnosis that Owen was deaf. Though this news was difficult, his family pressed on, hoping cochlear implants would change everything. Owen received his first implant at age 1 and a second at age 2, but he never responded to sounds as hoped. He couldn’t tolerate wearing them, and his journey took another turn.

As time went on, Owen’s lack of speech and other developmental delays led to a diagnosis of severe/profound non-verbal autism. He also has epilepsy, which brings unpredictable seizures, and he faces many other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Owen has difficulty walking, struggles with fine motor skills, and at 14 years old, has the mental development of a 3-year-old. He requires constant, one-on-one care and will need full support for the rest of his life.

Why a Polaris Slingshot?

Despite all these daily challenges, Owen’s spirit shines brightest when he’s out in the world. He absolutely loves being on the go—he hates being cooped up inside, and the open air brings him peace and happiness. Owen lights up on rides at Hershey Park and any amusement park, always seeking the fastest, most thrilling experiences. He loves the sensation of air on his face, and he spends hours by the family pool once it’s open.

Most days, the Leavitt family spends 2–8 hours driving Owen around, simply because it brings him joy and calm. When he can’t get out, he becomes upset and sometimes destructive. But when he’s out—whether it’s a long car ride or meeting new people—he greets everyone with a huge smile and a contagious, happy laugh.

A Polaris Slingshot would be a life-changing gift for Owen. This open-air, three-wheeled vehicle would allow him to experience the wind on his face and the excitement of the road in a way that’s safe, accessible, and endlessly fun. For a boy who lives for the thrill of movement and the joy of the outdoors, this would mean the world.

How Your Support Will Help

We are seeking your help to raise $30,000 to purchase a Polaris Slingshot for Owen and his family. Every dollar will go directly toward:

Purchasing a Polaris Slingshot, fully equipped for Owen’s needs

Any necessary adaptive modifications for safety and comfort

Insurance and maintenance to keep Owen riding for years to come

Owen’s World

Owen is known for his big smile, his crazy happy laugh, and his love of chips, cheese balls, cookies, McDonald’s, and ice cream. He loves being surrounded by people and meeting new faces. For those who know him, he’s unforgettable.

Join Us

We hope you’ll consider supporting Owen’s journey to more freedom and happiness. Your donation—no matter the size—will make a real difference in the life of a boy who finds his greatest joy in the open air and on the move.

Thank you for helping us give Owen the ride of his life.

With gratitude,

East Pennsboro Community and the Leavitt Family