Help transport Jake (Wheelchair accessible van)

From Jake's parents (Lynda & Ted)

Hello,

When Jake was 5 months old, the doctors gave us the shocking news that the complications from his delivery had caused brain injury. Jake is a quadriplegic 19 yo male who's diagnosed with cerebral palsy, aggressive scoliosis, intractable seizure disorder, sleep apnea, asthma, and other respiratory allergies. His scoliosis aggravates his respiratory issues, making him prone to aspiration and repeated pneumonia. His neurological impairment has caused his digestive system to fail; he is now G-j tube dependent and needs a ventilator to help with sleep apnea. He is nonverbal and non-ambulatory

But that is not what defines Jake. He is a loving son. His eyes light up in joy when he sees his siblings. He loves people. He loves music. He likes to be outdoors. Even though he does not communicate verbally he shares his friendliness through eye expression and body movement. He finds a way to make himself be understood.

As Jake grows up it is becoming more and more challenging to transport him to and from his doctor's appointments. We are solely dependent on state provided transportation. Even so, it can take up to an hour each time to maneuver him, his wheelchair, his oxygen and all other things that need to go with him in and out of handicap accessible van. The standard minivan no longer fits him.

We are in desperate need of a van that can be used to transport Jake to and from his doctor's

appointments. And what a joy it would be to take once in a while to the park to watch others and his siblings. We are mostly a single income family and we cannot afford a van without help. This will greatly increase his quality of life and ease the burden of care on us too.

We are grateful for your help and thank you for your consideration.

Lynda & Ted