Abby's Van

My name is Abby Quinn, a 24 year old who has a genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In very simple terms my disease causes muscle weakness over time that has caused me to use an electric wheelchair since I was 7 years old for mobility. I may not be able to walk or stand but that has not stopped me from living life to the fullest.

I graduated from high school in 2013 with honors and continued my education at UNC Chapel hill where I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology. After graduation I came home to Hickory to live with my mom and started the first ever treatment for
SMA. I now work at a local catering company, advocate for  SMA and others with disabilities, and I'm starting an Inclusive clothing brand with my best friend focusing on people who use wheelchairs and other disabilities.

While I live a busy life, my van has unfortunately started to fall apart (my air conditioning only working sometimes, over 200,000 plus miles, the headliner falling down and apart, and a hole in my radiator, and lots of wear and tear) . I’ve had this wheelchair accessible van since I was a sophomore in high school and it has given me freedom and independence. I use this van to go everywhere: to go to focus groups, advocating at local government,  going to work,traveling to Duke in Durham for my treatments (2 1/2 hours away), and without a van I would be stuck at home. I couldn’t get to my job, the store, my treatments, business meetings, or anywhere and honestly it makes me feel helpless. It’s put a lot of stress on me and my family financially and emotionally to figure out the next steps.

Thank you so much for the consideration for helping me get a new wheelchair van. This means the world and more to me. With this van I hope to continue helping other with what I have been
blessed with!