About Us and Our Mission
My name is Griffin McAuley. I am the owner of For Those Who Can't Apparel Company. The inspiration for me to start this apparel company comes from the legacy of my sister, Mary McAuley, who passed away in 2015. Mary was severely disabled with many things such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and scoliosis. She was nonverbal, had a feeding tube, and was wheelchair bound her whole life. My dad, Tommy McAuley, decided he wasn't going to let these disabilities determine what was possible for her to do. Although Mary wasn't able to do physical things herself, my dad decided to take on a physical challenge with her— triathlons. They swam by him pulling her in a raft behind him, they biked with her in a cart attached behind his bike, and they ran by him pushing her in a stroller. Not only was his motivation to do all of this for her, but also with her. With an unwavering level of support and sacrifice from my mom, Rachel McAuley, TEAM McAuley was created. My mom, my brother (Grant), myself, and many other family members and friends assisted my dad and sister in these races. To me, they redefined what's "possible".
Mary may have not been able to walk or talk, but she sure could laugh and had a smile that brightened everyone's day. No matter how bad of a day I thought I had, when I came home to Mary, my problems disappeared. They were nothing compared to what she went through on a daily basis. When faced with adversity or discomfort, I reminded myself that at least I was able to go outside and play with friends. At least I was able to feed myself, dress myself, play football, drive, talk to people, etc. So many things that were routine for me, were out of reach for her. Despite the constant pain she was in, despite the countless surgeries, despite the inability to verbally express herself, despite the inability to walk, despite all of these things and countless more, she still managed to smile through it. That is my inspiration.
The reason for this apparel company isn't just to sell something. It's to use the apparel as a way to spread a message and to motivate people to recognize what abilities they have, be grateful for them, and use them— because not everyone can do what may be easy for you. If you are able to walk, then walk. If you are able to run, then run. If you are physically challenged, but can use your voice to inspire others, use it. If you are able to do all or even just one of the following: use your arms, use your legs, use your voice, see, hear, etc. — be grateful and remember there are those who can't.
My mission is to inspire others, help those with disabilities, and give back to the community. I want to be able to be able to provide/build handicapped accessible amenities, free of cost, for those who need them. I want to start walk/run 5k fundraiser events with anyone that can walk, run, or be pushed. I love working with Special Olympics athletes and want to further support their cause. The possibilities are endless. With your support, it can happen.
This isn’t just an apparel store.
This is a promise.
For Those Who Can’t exists for the people who never had the choice.
For those born with disabilities.
For veterans and first responders who gave everything in the line of duty and came back changed.
For anyone who lost physical abilities while serving something bigger than themselves.
This brand is about remembering them.
It’s about gratitude for every breath, every step, every movement, every ability we often take for granted. It’s about using what you can do — not just for yourself, but for those who can’t.
Remember, you're not just buying a shirt.
You’re spreading a message.
You’re honoring a life.
You’re choosing purpose.
1 Peter 4:10-11 "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
