Hugo & Lucy's Van

This is Lucy and Hugo, they are siblings who have  Spinal Muscular Atrophy! They use an electric wheelchair to get around. Each chair weighs over 300 pounds and they need a special vehicle that can be equipped to fit not only one chair but BOTH wheelchairs to get around. Recently Lucy and Hugo's WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN got STOLEN! They need the van to get to doctors' appointments and for Hugo to go to work! Using the CDT Paratransit service is not a reliable source for Hugo to get to work, since they're usually not on time, and this would make Hugo late for work on a regular basis.

Using public transportation is difficult during the winter, since they get really cold and their muscles tense up. They already have bad circulation and the cold makes their hands stiff which makes it hard for them to drive their own chairs after a while. This can be dangerous when crossing the street to get to and from the train/bus stop.

The family is in complete shock that their van was stolen. The van was specially converted to fit both wheelchairs by having the two middle seats and the passenger seat REMOVED. This is presumably a reason that the culprits stole the van due to the spacious interior to commit other illegal crimes. Whatever reason anyone had is completely inexcusable and WRONG, but now Hugo and Lucy are left stranded. These type of vans can easily cost $35,000+.


The van was found by the police but it was completely burned. Hugo's Dad said it looked like they set off a bomb in the middle of it. The windows that didn't break were smashed in with bricks. It's crazy to think about. Hugo's Dad said he felt like crying when he saw it as he couldn't believe that people could be so cruel.

Hugo and Lucy did nothing to deserve such a heinous thing to happen to them. They both have the kindest and generous souls you will ever meet. Please donate what you can to get Hugo and Lucy back to the independence they once had!

Thank you, Moira