Help John Gain Independence with a Wheelchair-Accessible Van
Donation protected
Hi, my name is John, and I need your help to regain my freedom. Earlier this year, my stage 4 esophageal cancer spread to my lower spine, compressing my spinal column and leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. Since February 10, 2025, I’ve relied on a wheelchair full-time. While I’ve adapted to many challenges, transportation remains one of the biggest obstacles.
Why I need a wheelchair van
Without a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, getting anywhere is exhausting and frustrating. I still have important medical appointments, but more than that I want to live my life. I want to enjoy simple things, like going out to dinner with my wife, Stacey, or attending an airshow. Right now, every outing is a physically draining ordeal. Stacey has to help transfer me from my wheelchair into our vehicle, then dismantle and store the wheelchair. When we arrive, she has to reassemble it and transfer me back. Every stop means repeating this difficult process. A wheelchair-accessible van would eliminate these painful transfers, giving me the energy to actually enjoy where I’m going instead of dreading the effort it takes to get there.
My cancer is terminal, and my time is uncertain. But while I’m here, I want to make the most of it. This van would give me back some of the independence I’ve lost and allow me to experience the world beyond my home.
What Your Support Will Do
We need about $35,000 for a reliable wheelchair-accessible van. So far, we’ve raised $12,000 from the sale of my truck, but we still have a long way to go. Any funds raised beyond the cost of the van will help cover medical and accessibility-related expenses, ensuring I can continue living as fully as possible.
How You Can Help
- Donate – Every dollar gets me closer to mobility and freedom. Any amount, big or small, makes a difference.
- Share – Even if you can’t donate, spreading the word by sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and social media helps tremendously.
- Encourage – Your support means everything. Kind words remind me I’m not in this alone.
- Suggestions – If you know of a good used wheelchair van, please let us know!
A Heartfelt Thank You
I am deeply grateful for any help you can give — whether it’s a donation, a share, or words of encouragement. I’ll be posting updates on this journey, and once I get the van, I can’t wait to share the experiences it makes possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me reclaim my freedom.
With gratitude,
John
Co-organizers (1)
John Prevette
Organizer
Vander, NC
Stacey Prevette
Co-organizer