Wheelchair Accessibility for the Cruce Family

As many of you know, my sister Stacy Cruce has a son with a genetic disease called CDKL5. Because of CDKL5, my nephew Josiah is nonverbal, nonmobile, cortically blind, tube fed, and has debilitating seizures 15-25 times daily. There is no cure for this terrible disease and Josiah requires 24/7 medical care that is not covered by insurance. With their family of 6 on one income, they now have new untimely needs they are unprepared for.

Stacy, my sister, is Josiah's full-time caregiver while my brother-in-law, Josh, provides for the family. They are a part of multiple support groups with other families that have children with CDKL5. They have exhausted all resources to get the support they need to continue to give Josiah the best life possible.

Unfortunately, they need immediate financial assistance. Josiah has grown out of his current foldable wheelchair. He recently was fitted and has a new custom wheelchair ready to be picked up, but it is not foldable. Josiah will not be able to use this chair until the Cruce family has a handicap-accessible vehicle to transport both the wheelchair and Josiah for daily activity. They were not prepared for this need, as they were told he would have his current chair for 5 years, and it’s only been two and a half years before growing out of it.

Getting a handicap-accessible van is not a want for this sweet family, it is a need. Unfortunately, they cannot meet this need on one income. It is no secret that buying a used vehicle right now is like buying a home. Inventory is low and prices are inflated. For example, used handicap accessible vans with high miles currently cost 45-60k. My hope is to raise funds to offset this cost to get Josiah in the wheelchair made just for him and not limit his abilities or travels. This van will be their only reliable vehicle and allow their family of 6 to give Josiah the best life possible.

While the Van is the immediate need, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Currently, the family is carrying both Josiah and his chair in and out of the house. Their home is not equipt with either an entrance or ramp for him and his wheelchair. Funds from this page are also intended to give the Cruce family both an entrance and ramp to get Josiah in and out of the home with ease.

If you know the Cruce family, you know they hate asking for help. To watch how they care for and love Josiah is a testimony to who they are as a family and their hearts to love and serve even in the worst suffering. While we will never know how much time they have with Josiah, they are doing all they can to give him the best and most beautiful life possible. God has been so faithful and good in providing for them thus far and we know he will continue to!! Please consider lightening this burden as they continue to care for Josiah and all his needs. Also, please feel free to reach out if you have connections or know of someone who may be able to help offset the cost of these needs. As a family and friends I am praying we can bless this family beyond their wildest dreams!