Hi friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

This is my nephew, Eli. He’s 11 years old, has cerebral palsy, a great sense of humor, and a smile that can disarm just about anyone. What he doesn’t have is a wheelchair-accessible van… and that’s where we could really use your help.

As Eli gets older, he’s shockingly talented at getting taller and heavier. While that’s wonderful in every way, it’s becoming less wonderful when it comes to lifting him in and out of his current vehicle. What used to be manageable is now becoming unsafe — for Eli and for the backs of the people who love him very much.

You might think something this essential would be covered by government funding or assistance. We thought so too. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Wheelchair vans come with a huge price tag, and there’s no magical program swooping in to help cover it. Unfortunately, “necessary for daily life” doesn’t always mean “funded”. We are talking over 100k, and while his parents have been working hard to save it’s hard with today’s economy and three children.

A wheelchair-accessible van would give Eli safe, reliable transportation and give his family peace of mind knowing they’re not risking injuries just to get him to school, appointments, or out to enjoy being an awesome 11-year-old kid.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just send some good vibes our way, we’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution — big or small — brings us closer to a van that will make Eli’s world a little bigger and a lot safer.

Thank you for being part of our village and helping us keep Eli rolling.

— Team Eli