Give Anthony the Gift of Mobility a Handicap Van

Anthony is 27 years old with cerebral palsy he is the most patient God loving young man he was born a absolutely gorgeous and healthy baby. At 2 1/2 months old Anthony had a sudden infant crib death episode But death was not in Gods plan !!! Over the years Anthony has exceeded all the drs expectations. Even though he had many challenges in his life Anthony through the yrs started off in special education where teachers saw that Anthony had more in him than everyone thought. He then went into general classes.He continued through school where Anthony graduated wayne high school with a certificate. Anthony was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy at 1 yr old and it does affect his mind as well as his body even though he can repeat things over sometimes just to annoy you because he like to play tricks !!!! he always has a smile on his face. And makes you laugh.He is in a power wheelchair unless he is laying in his bed. Even though Anthony understands everything socially he is unable to feed himself or brush his teeth and get dressed or even just stand up like you or i can. So even the smallest task for you or i can be very challenging for Anthony. He keeps a positive attitude 90%of the time. I wouldn't change having him for anything in my life!! Even on the most difficult days he puts a smile on your face and reminds you that everything is going to be ok. He iaba true inspiration!!! But it has been very physically challenging over the years i have had back surgeries and most recently had double knee replacement on Friday sept 9th. Anthony really needs a handicap van to go to dr Anthony's dr appt Riley's children hospital in Indianapolis indiana and dr visits in South Bend Indiana. And regular visits here in fort wayne as well. My biggest goal is to get him out into the community where he loves going to baseball and basketball games. i can't keep lifting him in and out of my truck its just so painful but i try never to let him see me cry or be in pain. Anthony is 28 years old now and Has cerebral palsy and he is a total lift from me he does not walk at all and is such a amazing young man and understands that it is hurting me really bad to go places so we do not get out of the house very much due to the pain and i just want him to enjoy life the same way others do. We have been unable to transport his power chair anywhere and taking a manual chair he is just not comfortable or safe for him to be in. He has extremely high muscle tone and moves alot due to his disability so he needs to be in his daily power chair to be safe so he does not flip the chair Anthony can't use his hands or assist with daily needs but he can still help with thing outside and loves driving his chair around saying hi to all the neighbors ea day. . Anthony understands everything socially but is unable to physically help with much with his hands but amazes me and how he can help take the trash out if i put it on his lap. The wheelchair has given him so much self confidence its great to watch.But i love him so much i would never change having him and the joy he has brought to my life for anything in the world!!!!! I have always tried to just be humble and do the best i can to take care of Anthony and keep him happy and smiling. I am his sole caregiver so now that he has gotten older he really wants to go to baseball games, basketball, zoo, grocery store, and he just keeps telling me mom i need a van and it breaks my heart to not be able to take him to do any of these things!!!!

As you see i love my son with all of my heart and i will do whatever it takes to continue caring for him and making his days brighter one day at a time and to give him a life where he is happy and thriving well. Even a used van can cost close to $30,000-$40,000 so we are asking for help. I am definitely not very good at asking for help but Anthony just keeps saying he needs one and so i know now that he is really missing getting out of the house or he sees how much it hurts me to do so. I have always tried to hide my pain from him because i never want him to think he is causing pain.