Help Sara get an accessible van

On April 7, 1995, Sara Sutphin was born with two debilitating diseases - Mitocondrial Disease and Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Mitocondrial Disease has affected Sara's growth, muscle tone and neurological function. Prader-Willi Syndrome is characterized by weak muscle tone, feeding difficulties, poor growth and delayed development. Sara is 26 years old now and functions at the approximate age of a 4-year old child although she cannot speak or walk, is wheel-chair bound and totally dependent upon her parents. Her Dad works a full-time job as a medical receptionist in a local doctor's office and her Mom has full-time care of Sara. Last year Sara's parents were forced to leave their home of 20 years and now live in a mobile home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Their only reliable mode of transportation is a used 2009 pick-up truck given to them by a friend; however, it has become very difficult for her Dad to lift Sara in and out of the truck since she now weighs over 140 lbs. She has no muscle tone in her hips and trunk to be able to stand on her own. They need help to purchase a mini-van with a handicap lift and have searched for such a vehicle only to discover they cost between $36,000 to $38,000. They are desperate and need help from anyone who understands the financial and emotional toll of taking care of a special-needs child. Please donate to Sara Sutphin to help this needy family purchase reliable transportation.