Henry Newton needs new wheels

Our friend Henry Newton and his family could really use a hand to get a safe and reliable set of wheels capable of getting Henry around to do all the things a 14 year old in a wheelchair should do.  We are shooting at $50k to help them replace the van – including the required wheelchair lift conversion with tie-downs – and we are hoping to raise it quick because the old van is toast. 

HERE’S MORE ABOUT THE SITUATION…

We love Henry and his whole family, they go above and beyond to help others & their community, and we want to help them be safe and keep Henry connected to all his health & school appointments, activities & his friends.

The family has been getting around in a second hand accessible van that is no longer safe and beyond repair.  This has left Henry’s parents lifting Henry in and out of a car seat in their car and towing his wheelchair in a small trailer.  This is not ideal or sustainable.  Henry needs to be moved in/out without heroics from his parents.  I’ve seen his parents in action and they are heroes but a van with a ramp and tie-downs is a must-have.  The price tag is steep: the wheelchair ramp conversion is about $20-25k alone and then you need a capable van to put it in.

This is a proud family and they should be.  They put everything into their family and community including coaching and volunteering at several inclusive activities that Henry attends and enjoys, and supporting others in our special needs community.  We want to give back to them and help them out in a tight spot where the government programs aren’t sufficiently wide or deep enough to cover the myriad of expenses a family caring for someone with complex special needs has.

Thanks for helping any way you are able.