Help Jojo Get a Wheelchair-Accessible Van ($85,000 Goal)

Hi everyone,

We’re raising $85,000 to help our son, Jojo (15), get an already wheelchair-accessible full-size van—so we can transport him safely, consistently, and with dignity. Jojo lives with his parents and his 4 younger siblings (2 sets of twins).

Jojo is medically fragile and lives with neuromuscular scoliosis, epilepsy, blindness, and he is wheelchair-bound. Because of his complex needs, transportation isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous without the right vehicle.

Why this van is a necessity, not a luxury

Right now, using a standard vehicle often requires difficult transfers and lifting. With Jojo’s condition, that brings serious risks:

   •   Risk of falls and injury during transfers

   •   Pain and physical strain due to his scoliosis and limited mobility

   •   Seizure safety concerns if an episode happens during loading, unloading, or travel

   •   As Jojo grows, lifting becomes less safe and less sustainable for everyone involved

A true wheelchair-accessible van allows Jojo to remain safely in his wheelchair while traveling, secured properly with:

   •   a ramp or lift system

   •   wheelchair tie-down/securement

   •   the space needed to position him safely and comfortably

How this will change Jojo’s daily life

An accessible van will help us:

   •   Get Jojo to neurology, orthopedic care, and other critical medical appointments without unsafe transfers

   •   Reduce physical strain and lower the chances of injury for Jojo and caregivers

   •   Travel with more stability and safety, especially given Jojo’s epilepsy and medical fragility

   •   Increase Jojo’s ability to participate in life beyond appointments—family visits, community outings, and programs—without transportation being the barrier

Where your donation goes

Funds raised will go toward purchasing an already-accessible full-size wheelchair van, plus costs connected to making it safe and road-ready for Jojo (as needed), such as:

   •   wheelchair securement and safety equipment

   •   registration, taxes, and required fees

   •   inspections/maintenance to ensure dependable medical transportation

Every donation—big or small—brings us closer to safe, reliable transportation for Jojo. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser helps more than you know.

Thank you for caring about Jojo and helping us keep him safe while improving his mobility and quality of life.

With gratitude,

Tsitsi Nyama (Jojo’s mother)