Please help the Ayles family (Accessible van)

We’d like you to meet Chase Grayson Ayles, our friends amazing and incredibly strong son. Chase came into the world early at just 23 weeks gestation on June 30, 2013. When Chase was born he was a mere 1lb. 5oz. and though the odds were stacked against him, he was a fighter from day one. He spent most of his first year in the NICU at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, fighting each and every day. Chase continues to overcome the challenges of living with cerebral palsy and severe dystonia, which causes him a great deal of discomfort, especially when riding in his car seat. Throughout the past 8 years, Chase has undergone several surgeries and hospital stays. He and his parents travel to Boston Children’s Hospital often for specialized care. They will be traveling there again in March so that Chase can undergo surgery for his hip dysplasia.

Chase requires 24/7 care, which thankfully Megan and Jason have found an incredible nurse to assist them with Chase’s needs. Throughout Chase’s life, Megan and Jason have done everything that they can to advocate for their son, to provide him with everything that he needs to help him developmentally. Currently they are in a position where they need to purchase a converted accessible van, which would improve Chase’s ability to travel to appointments, school functions, family outings, etc... Unfortunately though, the cost of used vehicles are at a premium and the cost of a converted accessible van is of great expense.    

The purchase of a converted accessible van would greatly improve the quality of life for their entire family. Currently, Megan and Jason must transfer their growing son from a specialized chair to another specialized car seat, carefully making sure that he is securely positioned and comfortable. Once Chase is secured, they must then collapse, carry and load the heavy specialized wheelchair into their vehicle each and every time they get in and out of their vehicle. There is an increased risk of injury to Megan and Jason from all of this repetitive heavy lifting and carrying. The risk will only continue to rise as Chase continues to grow and gain weight. Chase would benefit from being able to stay comfortable in his mobility chair, which would simply roll in and lock right into the van. There would be no need to transfer him from one chair to another, which would save him a great deal of discomfort from movement and posture changes.

There is a true need for a converted accessible van now and for the years to come. Please consider helping to bless this truly amazing family!