Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Peterson.
Colleen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When our son Cole was born with the rare chromosomal disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, I knew certain aspects of our lives would become challenging. Due to the severity of his condition, (he is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and fully dependent on a G-tube for nutrition) we quickly realized that my husband Lee, and I would need to be his biggest advocates to ensure he could live with the best quality of life. We were prepared for hospital visits, doctor appointments, medication adjustments and even losing him. What we did not anticipate, however, was just how arduous the process of obtaining adaptive equipment would be.
Even something as seemingly simple as a shower chair so we could bathe Cole safely proved to be incredibly difficult to secure. We were advised to use his wheelchair, which is not designed to get wet, as a solution while we waited for two years for a shower chair. We soon learned that private insurance companies or even medical assistant companies often do not cover essential adaptive equipment, such as shower chairs, standers, wheelchairs, and gait trainers, leaving families to face costs that can run into the thousands of dollars. And even when coverage is approved, the process can take months, or even years, before the equipment finally arrives.
Through conversations with support groups for families of disabled children, I realized that nearly all families face similar challenges in acquiring equipment their children in need. I even connected with a family who had to use a wagon for their non-ambulatory child because they did not have an appropriate stroller. At the same time, I learned that many families have unused equipment, unsure of what to do with it. I knew this needed to change.
In 2020, I founded the COLE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named after my son. The name also stands for the Children’s Organization of Lending Equipment. Our mission is to collect unused and donated equipment and lend it, free of charge, to families with disabled children in need. When they no longer need it, they bring it back to COLE so it can go to another family.
As a 100% volunteer-driven and donation-funded organization, we launched our annual “Wheels For Freedom” motorcycle ride and fundraiser. Our inaugural event was in 2023, and last year we raised over $19,000. All proceeds go directly toward storage facility costs, equipment inspections and repairs to ensure safety, and outreach to raise awareness about our mission.
Navigating the healthcare system is already challenging when a child is disabled, and many families lack the advocacy they deserve. These families go through so much, and the last thing they need to worry about is how they are going to get their child vital equipment. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to safely learn, grow, and play, so they can reach their fullest potential. Whether a child is waiting for insurance approval or simply lacks access, COLE ensures they don’t have to wait to thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges that comes to mind is the lack of consistent funding. As a nonprofit, COLE gets no government funding and relies entirely on donations, grants, and community support. That makes financial stability an ongoing challenge and requires constant effort to keep it alive.
Another obstacle people often do not realize is how complex it is to start a nonprofit, especially with a very small team in the early stages. Establishing COLE required working with attorneys, navigating legal and administrative processes, developing a website, and recruiting volunteers, all while trying to bring our mission to life.
It was also a gradual and sometimes difficult process to spread enough awareness to connect with families in need, and gather enough volunteers and equipment to make a meaningful difference. Nothing about it was easy, and there were many moments that required persistence and patience.
However, each year we continue to grow, reach more families, and expand our impact. Seeing the difference we make in people’s lives makes every challenge along the way completely worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of eight and did not learn to read until fifth grade. That experience shaped not only my academic journey, but also my sense of purpose. Struggling early on taught me resilience and gave me a deep understanding of the challenges many children with learning differences face.
Because of that, I became passionate about helping others overcome similar obstacles. In high school, I created a program called Accentuate the Positive, which focused on helping students identify and leverage their strengths to compensate for areas of difficulty. At a time before widespread access to personal technology, the program also worked to connect students with tools that could support their learning and independence.
In addition to my academic and advocacy work, I was a competitive figure skater, earning a gold medal and training at an Olympic level. Later, I competed in Miss Teen pageants, where I used my platform to speak about my charity work and advocate for children with learning disabilities. In 2001, I was honored to be awarded Miss Teen United States.
I went on to graduate from Augsburg College and earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, further strengthening my ability to support individuals and families in meaningful ways.
What sets me apart is my determination and my commitment to making a difference. I don’t easily accept limitations—either for myself or for others—and I strongly believe there is always something worth fighting for.p
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve thought about this a lot, because in some ways, what led me to start the COLE Foundation could be considered “bad luck.” Facing the challenges that came with getting my son essentially equipment was not something I could have prepared for.
But that experience gave me perspective, purpose, and a deep connection to a community I might not have otherwise known. In that sense, what felt like hardship became one of the most meaningful drivers in my life.
I’ve also been fortunate to encounter incredibly supportive people along who have helped turn an idea into something impactful. I see luck not as the reason for success, but as something that, when combined with determination, can create real change.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thecolefoundation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolefoundation?igsh=MWhzd2dtd2ZtbW9scg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18T6vX1zCR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
