Hi everyone, my name is Greta Leza, and I am hoping to help raise $38,500 for my sweet nephew, Sean, and his amazing family. Sean was born with Spina Bifida , which means he has been wheelchair-bound his entire life and will continue to rely on one.  

Sean is now 14 years old, and his family has always lifted him into and out of their sedan. As he continues to grow into a young man, you can imagine that lifting him is no easy task! He’s been blessed with two parents who would move mountains for him. One of the biggest challenges they are currently facing is not having an accessible vehicle. Sean’s parents, Griselda and Ian Rickard don’t just care for him - they also care for his younger brother, Evan (7), who is autistic and non-speaking. Raising two kids with special needs makes Griselda and Ian superheroes in my eyes as they both work full-time jobs. As Sean and Evan continue to grow, I know the physical and emotional demands are becoming even greater. An accessible vehicle would have such a positive impact and improve their day-to-day quality of life.

A wheelchair-accessible vehicle will help Ian and Griselda take Sean to doctor appointments, physical therapy, social events, and his high school extracurricular activities. Additionally, it would allow the Rickards to move more freely, enabling Sean to be a teenager, without worrying about how to attend events or feeling like a burden.

Unfortunately, there are very limited funding options for an accessible van. Grants are not easily accessible, and would not come close to covering the cost. A reliable, new, accessible van can cost as much as $90,000. The money raised here would go toward a van conversion, meaning the Rickard family will still be financing a van to make this a reality for them.

I know that $38,500 is a lofty goal, but I can’t think of a more deserving kid than Sean. Sean is a funny, witty, Godzilla-loving kid with the such a pure heart. He is a softy, who cares so much about other people. Sean has wished for an easier life, not for his sake, but for those around him. Sean is the kid who will spend his money at the book fair on his friends, and looks forward to buying everyone in his family gifts during Christmas (I love my cat bookmark!!).

Please donate if you can, and share this page far and wide! My wish for Sean is to have the freedom and safety every teenager deserves to have.

With a heart full of gratitude,

Greta.