Chuck, Vanay, Tammy and Dave are friends of Chip and Kathy Sanders. Chip needs a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to travel to his many doctor appointments. Read on to learn more about his need.

In late January 2021, Chip began experiencing excruciating pain in his right leg. After two weeks of unsuccessful chiropractic adjustments, his chiropractor sent him to a back specialist who subsequently sent him to a neurologist who subsequently sent him to a neuropathy researcher. The researcher has tried various tests and intensive treatments but has not been able to identify or treat the neuropathy. The constant and very painful neuropathy then spread to Chip’s left leg and hand and both of his feet. It also caused severe muscle weakness in these areas of his body. He lives at a pain level of 6+ on the pain scale of 1-10, even with multiple pain medications.

Chip is no longer able to walk. He is confined to a wheelchair or a medical bed. For him to go to a doctor’s appointment, or to go anywhere, Chip has to transfer to a seat in their 23-year-old compact car using a wooden board. This is very challenging with his pain level and muscle weakness. His wife, Kathy, then disassembles the wheelchair and puts it in the back of their car, only to remove it and reassemble it at their destination. Despite her willing spirit, Kathy has a weak back and osteoporosis and this process threatens to cause her injury.

Friends of Chip and Kathy believe it would be best if they had a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to provide a more sustainable method for traveling. We are trusting God to provide the funding for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and are grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of others.