Dan the Man Needs a Van

"God created each of us all a one of a kind.  He has strategically placed each and every one of us where He needs us and when He needs us.  God has trusted my family with the awesome responsibility of caring for Dan Cox.  I pray we don't let Him down."  - Diane Cox

When Dan was born in 1975, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare disorder - Peter's Anomaly Plus with Short Limb Dwarfism. As of this date, there have been less than 75 cases reported EVER worldwide.  Dan is totally blind in his left eye, has use of only his right hand and is an autistic savant.  He is still in diapers and let's just say it's been an interesting 40+ years.  Dan is a lovingly wild man of wonder and the biggest sports fan ever.  Dan's physical condition will never be different - never be better - never improve.

Dan is cared for at home, by his sister Betty Collums  and she does her best with the support of her family to treat him with the loving care and dignity he deserves.  Every piece of much needed adaptive equipment has been an exhausting fight for his family.

After 8 months of trying to obtain a suitable wheelchair lift, Dan was recently denied by Medicaid.  Dan has left home ONCE since August 3, 2018 and that was by ambulance for a doctor's appointment.

A "new" van would mean everything to Dan.  The liberty to go to necessary doctor appointments.  The ability to enjoy life to the fullest he can - which one day might mean being able to go through a drive through and grab a burger.  Before Dan's mother passed away she asked his siblings to see to it that Dan was cared for, and now they find themselves in a situation where they simply can not provide this huge need.  His family has hesitated to ask for help, but it looks like another year without freedom is in the forecast given the medicaid denial and the likelihood that an appeal would be fruitless.

Any help is appreciated! The goal is to be able to provide Dan with a newer used van which has a capable wheel chair lift and sturdy transmission.  Air-conditioning would be amazing since the Louisiana summers are killer hot but like everything else the family would be grateful for anything that would help Dan not be a prisoner in his own home.

Thanks for your consideration and generosity!