Handicapped Van for Niki

Niki Oliphant…Back to school for this SENIOR at the University of Washington!

Yes, Niki is 21, a senior, and she’s living off campus in an apartment this year.

Niki has been an inspiration to many over the years as she has taken charge of her life with a “can do” attitude.  Born with Arthrogryposis and unable to use her arms or legs, she has endured a life of many physical struggles including 18 surgeries at Children’s Hospital.    Yet her spirit shines brightly as she goes about her way, often helping others.  I believe she will continue to make her mark in this world as she has a determination like no other. Niki knows that, in the word “disability”, there is the “ability” that she lives by each and every day.

Niki uses an electric wheelchair which she maneuvers with her head for her daily mobility and has to have a van with a ramp to get her to the places she cannot get to herself. Her van currently has 230,000 miles on it and will not last too much longer. Her life growing up has been so fulfilled by having transportation. It enabled her to participate in every activity she wanted with her amazing friends and family.

My goal for Niki is to help raise funds for her to get a van with a ramp that can carry her through her adult years as she graduates and moves on. Please consider helping in any or all of three ways:

1. Donate any amount via this site.

2. Keep your eyes and ears open for a good used van with low miles and an electric lift.

3. Hold a vision of the perfect van coming Niki’s way and the joy she will experience knowing that getting about will be secured for her future.

                    Thank you for your time and consideration!

                                        Niki’s Gram J

Niki has always said…."Every person in this life struggles with a ‘disability’ at some point in their life, whether internal or external, short term or long term. There is no such thing as ‘normal’ in this diverse and wonderful big world in which we live.”