Hello! My name is Cheri, and I am an RN and mother. My daughter, Gracie, is a musician and student with a degenerative muscle disease called muscular dystrophy which requires her to use a power wheelchair. We are about to experience a great transition - a move to Kansas City, MO, where Gracie will pursue a graduate degree in music composition.

As we prepare to enter this new stage of life, we are looking to purchase an accessible vehicle. This van will alleviate our present stresses, creating an easier process for loading Gracie’s 400 lb wheelchair. Currently, Gracie transfers out of her wheelchair into our vehicle, and I use a manual ramp (40-50lbs and 6 feet long) to load her wheelchair. These processes are becoming difficult and strenuous for both of us - Gracie struggles to transfer as she continues to lose strength, and the condition of my own back prevents me from being able to lift and position our manual ramp on most days. Our new vehicle’s automatic ramp and lowered floor will allow Gracie to simply and safely drive her wheelchair into the front passenger side, avoiding any risk of injury for either of us.

These important accessibility features will aid in making transportation to and from campus much easier - removing physical stressors and streamlining our process. Ultimately saving energy and time, both Gracie and I will be able to dedicate our focus to our careers and community engagements. However, these vehicles are highly costly and priced as a luxury (up to $70,000), which is why I’d like to ask for help. I would greatly appreciate any donation!