Handicapped Van Needed

My son Christopher Mayo is in dire need of assistance. We are reaching out to as many resources as possible to try and obtain a handicapped van with a fold out ramp. Our current van was donated 3 years ago and has been in the shop constantly from the first 2 weeks we got it due to mechanical and electrical problems with the lift and the van itself.  The lift can no longer be repaired. The van is 17 years old and we are unable to put a new lift in it. I have personally exhausted every penny of our savings to keep this van on the road. With the astronomical costs of these special needs vehicles we need to ask the community and agencies for help or grants. I am exploring every possible avenue. I am grateful of any support others are willing to give whether it be financially or by sharing in case someone is able to help. We are able to obtain some funding from the disability administration on the ramp and conversion part of a van but it has to have under 50,000 miles and be under 5 years old. 

Chris requires the use of a wheelchair due to his inability to walk.  Chris enjoys daily activites like swimming, movies, bowling, visiting family and attending family functions. At this point, Chris is housebound, which will cause significant setbacks with his cognitive and physical disabilities that we worked so hard to achieve. Due to Chris’s height and weight and his need for a specialized wheelchair, we are unable to get him to appointments or his daily activities. His wheelchair is over 200 pounds and Chris is over 6 feet tall and just over 200 pounds himself. 

Chris was born with many chromosomal abnormalities and disabilities, both physical and mental. He was diagnosed at 4 months of age with two very complex and rare syndromes. Trisomy 8 Mosaicism Syndrome and Joubert Syndrome. Both have caused severe life-threatening conditions and multiple other disabilities. These include severe epilepsy, blindness, autism, and the inability to speak and is on a feeding tube to ensure that he receives adequate nutrition since eating has been a problem for years. Chris also receives massive doses of medication through his feeding tube. The doctors told us he was unlikely to live past 6 months of age, and Chris turned 32 last month. 

I am extremely grateful for anyone that can contribute to this for Chris or share. Thank you. 

Melody Joiner