Help Gabriel Get a New Wheelchair Accessible Van

Hello, my name is Marilyn. I want to start by thanking you for taking the time to read about me and my son Gabriel, and for considering a donation to our cause. Let me start by telling you about my son.

My 18-year-old son, Gabriel, has Autism and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact.

Gabriel has overcome many obstacles, adapts to constant mobility changes, and continues to work hard to live life and explore what he loves.

Gabriel will be graduating from high school in a few weeks. He has many interests, like writing, movies, gaming, and reading, and he also strives to be able to drive soon! Gabriel is caring, thoughtful, funny, and has big dreams. However, transportation has become a challenge.

Mid-April, our wheelchair accessible van began having some trouble to the point that it became unsafe to drive. The cost to fix the van became more than it is worth, and unfortunately, I still owe on the loan.

It has been difficult to be without transportation because my son is having to stay home from school, and I am unable to transport him to and from appointments. Because of Autism, change can be difficult to adapt to. I have been asking for rides from coworkers in the meantime for myself, to keep income flowing, since it is just me and Gabriel at home.

We are in the process of trying to purchase a new van with some funding from another resource, but they are unable to cover the entire cost of a new vehicle + the rollover from the van that is broken down. Wheelchair accessible vans are priced up because of the mechanics in the wheelchair lift.

I am asking for some assistance in raising funds to help cover the balance to replace our wheelchair accessible van, licensing, any rollover, or any additional costs that may come with the van.

In looking at vehicle options, we learned that vehicles are now being made to have removable front seats! My son and I were very excited to see this, and we would like to look at purchasing a vehicle that has both front seats removable. Both removable front seats would allow for Gabriel to ride up front passenger or drive the vehicle from his powerchair.

A removable up-front passenger seat is helpful because I can assist him if he rides next to me instead of behind me. A removable driver front seat would be perfect for his goal of driving himself in the future! Removable front seats would be ideal.

Thank you for reading this. We appreciate any support you can give through donations or by sharing our story!

Marilyn & Gabriel