A New Handicap Van for Mike

Mike Butts (Minot, ND) has an immediate need for a reliable handicap accessible van. Our goal is to collect enough money to pay for a new, or next to new, handicap accessible van. If a new van can be purchased it will likely be the last van that Mike ever needs (keeping our fingers crossed).

Thank you in advance for any donations that you are able to make to help Mike purchase a new handicap accessible van.

A little history… In 1993 Mike Butts (Minot, ND) was racing Sprint cars at various cities through the upper Midwest. Unfortunately, On September 4th, 1993 (Labor Day weekend) Mike’s sprint car careened off the track at Black Hills Motor Speedway in Rapid City, SD. Mike’s Sprint car went airborne off the track, hit a power pole and fell 20 feet to the ground, landing upside down. Mike was taken to the local hospital and stayed 10 days. He was later transported to Abbott Northwestern hospital in Minneapolis and was treated until March 13, 1994. As a result of this accident Mike was paralyzed from the neck down and gained some movement below his injury.

A little about our friend Mike… Even with the difficulties that Mike has faced since his accident he has worked hard to be very independent. With the help of his parents he raised his daughters Kelsie and AJ who were 3 years and 8 years old at the time of Mike’s accident. He has worked from his home or in the office for over 25 years having worked for Magic Internet Services, Delta Airlines and U-haul. Mike is only able to work about 20 hours a week because of his arthritis but he continues to work every week at this point.

Some details on handicap vans… Mike has a handicap accessible van but is a 2007 Honda van with over 150,000 miles and it is in need of definite repairs. In the cold winters of North Dakota, Mike really needs a reliable van because any problems are likely beyond his ability to fix and the repairs are becoming more frequent. The North Dakota winter weather is a concern for everyone during storms, blizzards and extremely cold weather – this is especially difficult and risky for Mike with his physical challenges.

Probably not much of a surprise but handicap accessible vans are very expensive. There are a limited number of companies that specialize in building handicap vans and as you might expect with all of the moving parts and electronics, these types of vans require regular maintenance and repairs which can be costly. It is common to start with a new van ($45 – 60,000) and then the van must be modified and customized to support the necessary handicap features – this can add an extra $15,000 to $25,000 or more. Total cost for a new handicap accessible van can run $75,000 - $90,000.

A little bit more about Mike… If you have had a chance to meet or know Mike over the years you will remember his funny sense of humor and wonderful smile – he always has a positive, happy attitude even as he has faced many difficulties over the years since his accident. Mike has helpful friends and family as well as others that are willing and able to help at times when Mike just needs an extra set of hands or help. Mike is very thankful for the family, friends and others that have helped him over the years and to this day.

In this case, the cost of a handicap accessible van is so significant that Mike really needs the “Help of Many” to make this happen. We are hoping that you may be able to help donate to Mike’s need (even if just a little) and we are asking that you please “Share this request” with others in your circle of friends and family. Every little bit helps.

Thank you so much for helping make this goal possible for Mike – your help will relieve a huge burden.

We will share updates as we make progress on finding a new handicap accessible van for Mike.

“Friends and Family of Mike Butts”

With gratitude,

Eldon and Dale