Help Daron Ride Pain-Free!

Hello! This is my nephew, Daron. Daron was born with Cerebral Palsy with quadriplegia and severe scoliosis. His doctors said Daron would never live to adulthood but by God’s grace and mercy, he is now 29 years old!

Daron enjoys talking to his friends, playing games, and all things FOOTBALL! He is a diehard Georgia Bulldogs fan, and a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Before COVID he helped coach the Ed White high school football team.

He lives with his parents, Toby and Karen, in Jacksonville, FL.

Toby, who is 62 years old, works odd jobs in home and car repair so that he can be available to meet Daron’s needs while Karen works as a housekeeper.

Currently his family has a 2003 Honda Odyssey with no handicap modifications. It has 336,500 miles on it and is their only source of transportation. The transmission is failing, it slips and misses gears. The motor smokes & burns oil. It has moved beyond Toby’s ability to maintain or repair it.

Daron’s condition requires him to spend 24 hours a day in his wheelchair. Being moved manually, by his father, from chair to van and back is very painful. Days with multiple appointments require that Daron be lifted and moved from 4 to 12 times in one trip.

As his parents age this gets harder for them as well. Karen is no longer able to lift and move Daron by herself. If something happens to Toby

Karen cannot do this by herself.  A wheelchair accessible van would allow Daron to remain in his wheelchair while traveling to and from appointments.

Toby, Karen, and Daron are hoping for a proven, reliable van that will last for many years. Another Honda would be great! Prices for a decent low mileage (<125,000) van are running $21-25k

The words “Handicapped or wheelchair accessible” add an immediate $10-15k to the price even for a manual pullout ramp.

Daron’s parents have managed to save 5k toward a down payment and will use any money donated toward the purchase.

Thank you for your consideration of our request. Even if you choose not to donate we ask for your prayers that God will meet this need and His name will be glorified. Merry Christmas!