Amanda's Van

Amanda Goodman is a miracle. She was born with a hole in her heart and and given little hope of survival without surgery. After much deliberation doctors performed a delicate operation and she survived. Later, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, parents James and Emily Goodman were told their daughter would not live past the age of 16 years old. But they relied on their strong faith and continued to believe they had a miracle child. Giving all glory to God, Amanda has just turned 40 years old. Emulating the same faith of her parents, she exhibits a beautiful attitude and contagious smile, and is loved by everyone. However, the family is in desperate need for a better van. Their current van is 19 years old with over 250,000, miles and continues to break down every few months. This has resulted in costly repairs that prevent them from purchasing another one. Moreover, with such an unreliable vehicle, there is always danger of breaking down on the highway--a fearful situation for any family with a handicapped loved one. Both James and Emily are retired and subsist on a modest fixed income and cannot meet this need on their own. A van with a wheelchair ramp is vital because Amanda is dependent upon a motorized wheelchair in order to go to the doctor, church or anywhere else. Whenever the van has been in the shop, Amanda is restricted to home 24/7 and sometimes misses routine doctor visits and other outings. Another van in great condition with less mileage would enable them to live life to a fuller extent and bring much joy and happiness to Amanda who is such a "people" person and loves to go places. Any amount would help in reaching this goal, and would be investing in a beautiful life. Thank you, Bruce and Karen Gibson, Pastors of Harbor Church, Rockwall, TX.