A Van 4 Jenny

Very little gets in the way of Jenny, even as she fights her never-ending battle with Muscular Dystrophy: until now. With a wheelchair van that is beyond disrepair, our mother has become virtually confined to her home. Already restricted by the rapid deterioration of her own body, being without a van only makes her life that much more limited. Unable to freely enjoy the world beyond the four walls surrounding her, simple experiences that ambulatory individuals take for granted are not an option for Jenny. Without a working wheelchair van, even doctor’s appointments, necessary because of her failing health, become a difficulty. The cost of a replacement wheelchair van is unfeasible for our family because of the surmounting medical expenses for Jenny’s care compounded with the astronomical cost of converted wheelchair vans. The cost of a used wheelchair accessible van is close to double the cost of a brand new, unconverted van.

Adding to the financial difficulty, our father, Jenny’s primary caretaker and financial support, was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2011. Now cancer free after numerous procedures, our father’s medical expenses also contribute to financial difficulties and an inability to replace Jenny’s sole source of transportation as it has literally fallen apart before our eyes. Rust and rot have taken away any sense of independence that our mother had following her diagnosis in 2004.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Jenny has always brought love into our lives and put the needs of others ahead of her own. Far too humble to ask for assistance for herself, Jenny has spent her life sacrificing for everyone around her, especially us, her children. It is time for us to return the favor and do whatever we can to attain a working, pre-owned, wheelchair accessible van for our mother.

We hope that you will find it your hearts to help us reach this goal and bring joy to Jenny’s life as she has to ours.