Joshua VanRooyen was born three weeks early on May 18,2008.  He seemed healthy at first. Shortly after birth he began to suffer bad seizures. After many tests he was diagnosed with a rare, hereditary, metabolic disorder called NKH or Glycine Encephalopathy. This is considered to be a terminal illness as most who have it don't live to see their third birthday.  At 11 years old, Josh is beating the odds. His childhood has been filled with multiple hospital visits for illness and infections most would consider trivial.  Add to that regular visits to specialists for associated health issues and multiple doses of several medications daily. Josh uses a wheelchair, has vision issues, has a feeding tube, is cognitively impaired(2 yr old), is nonverbal(but VERY vocal), and relies on others for most of his needs. 
        Josh is a happy boy whose blue eyes and bright smile light up a room. He loves music, playing with his brother Eric who also has NKH, seeing family and friends, and being out and about.  Josh also loves being in school. He loves his teachers, his friends, and the ability to have more freedom than at home.  Unfortunately, he misses several days during the year due to doctors appointments. Transportation to appointments usually requires public transportation or insurance paid transport neither of which will go all the way out to his school.
        Josh lives with his mom Nancy, his dad Paul, sister Katie(13), and brother Eric(9). When he goes places with his family it is in their 2006 minivan with over 150,000 miles and no  functioning AC. This is difficult because his body temperature does not regulate well. It is unmodified and he must be lifted up into his car seat and 60 pound chair must be stored in the back Once the uncomfortable transition is made  Josh loves to watch the world go by.
       A handicap van will help with Josh's quality of life.  He will get safely to and from therapy. He will avoid school absences. He will have the ability to go out with his family to visit family and friends, go into the community and see more of the world. Josh is a blessing to his family who want to help him see the world outside his home. But as he grows and his needs remain substantial, Josh's family needs  help from the community. The family is extremely grateful for any help you can provide towards the vehicle purchase which will enhance Josh's life considerably.