Handicap Van UPDATE

TL;DR (The short version)



Hi, my name is Gaura,

I am Seeking proper transportation.

Since my accident in 2004 I've been using a mini van to get around.  It is a good van but for me it is has been very uncomfortable because:

1. I cannot sit up in the van since it is too short for me. I have to lay down the whole time we ride.

Not being able to sit up. 
    In my condition any food in my stomach will come up into my lungs if I lay down.  I can't eat for an hour before I go anywhere or I will choke and suffocate, (literally drown). So for me, going to town means a lot of fasting. 

   For example, let's say I want to go to town. First of all, I will not be able to eat before I get in the car. Secondly if after some time I stop for a bite to eat, I will have to wait in some parking lot for at least an hour, (sometimes 2 hours) before I can go home again.

  And this is why I don't like to go out.



 
   I've been using this wooden ramp that my sister made out of 2 boards and metal. It takes two strong people to push me up these and it scares me everytime. It feels unsafe and unstable. The other day I hit my head on the back door of the van and almost slipped off of the ramps. 

Besides this, I can only use these wooden ramps with a manual wheelchair. It's not possible to use the ramps for the electric wheelchair. It is not strong enough, and the van cannot carry the weight nor fit the height of the electric wheel chair.

The electric wheelchair gives me freedom!


This is what I want.


A van that I can sit up in with a lift that can carry me. 

My goal is to collect 9000 U.S. dollars. This is for a used van that is in good condition with a heavy duty lift that can support me in an electric wheelchair. (My Wheelchair is almost 400 lbs and I am 200 lbs.) A raised roof is also necessary for sufficient head room. I also calculated into my goal amount shipping fees to Hawaii. (Shipping costs may be as much as 30%)