Robin Brown's New Wheelchair Van
Donation protected
Twenty-five years ago, my brother, Robin, was out for a motorbike ride with his friends in Shawnigan Lake. After taking a corner too wide, he crashed into the ditch cracking his helmet on a stump. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was not expected to live through the night. He did, but then spent the next 8 months in a coma as his brain attempted to recover from the injury. After 5 years in the hospital, Robin's parents took on the responsibility for his care, putting their own lives on hold to bring him home and to be his primary caregivers.
The Browns have done everything they can for Robin to ensure he has the best quality of life possible. He requires 24 hour care and the use of a motorized wheelchair. His weekly therapy and recreation includes trips to the local swimming pool, gym, bowling alley, coffee shops, and whatever other activities they are able to arrange for him. At each of these places he has specialized equipment to help him to participate, stay healthy and mobile, and to make life more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, Robin's original wheelchair van, which is required for him to interact in the community, has aged along with him and is now in need of replacement. The cost of a bare-bones used van, large enough for him to get into in his chair, is at least $30,000, and the cost to then adapt it for the wheelchair, including tie-downs, windows, insulation and lift is another $20,000. This puts the total cost, before tax, at a starting price of $50,000.
Robin is unable to work to make an income as a result of his brain injury and physical condition. Robin's parents continue to fight so that he can live a quality life. They have given countless hours to ensure he is well cared for and reduced their employment hours to part-time work in order to be available to Robin. They have handled numerous medical appointments and costs and they have adapted their home to be accessible to Robin and his wheelchair. They are hard working and proud and although they prefer to deal privately with family matters, this is too much. Both have recently retired, due to age, energy and ability, so they no longer have any employment income coming in. Any money put toward this van will come directly out of their own retirement savings. Robin's dad worked in the valley as a home builder and his mom as a secretary for the school district, so the purchase of this van would put a considerable dent in the modest savings they have.
It is my hope that people will remember the fun, active young man that Robin was and will donate in order to help him stay active and engaged in his current and future pursuits throughout the community. He enjoys talking to people young and old and we are always amazed by the number of people that stop him to say hello, while we are out and about in the valley. Thank you to those of you who take these moments to brighten his day! Thank you to those who are able to contribute! Every bit helps alleviate the financial burden.
The Browns have done everything they can for Robin to ensure he has the best quality of life possible. He requires 24 hour care and the use of a motorized wheelchair. His weekly therapy and recreation includes trips to the local swimming pool, gym, bowling alley, coffee shops, and whatever other activities they are able to arrange for him. At each of these places he has specialized equipment to help him to participate, stay healthy and mobile, and to make life more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, Robin's original wheelchair van, which is required for him to interact in the community, has aged along with him and is now in need of replacement. The cost of a bare-bones used van, large enough for him to get into in his chair, is at least $30,000, and the cost to then adapt it for the wheelchair, including tie-downs, windows, insulation and lift is another $20,000. This puts the total cost, before tax, at a starting price of $50,000.
Robin is unable to work to make an income as a result of his brain injury and physical condition. Robin's parents continue to fight so that he can live a quality life. They have given countless hours to ensure he is well cared for and reduced their employment hours to part-time work in order to be available to Robin. They have handled numerous medical appointments and costs and they have adapted their home to be accessible to Robin and his wheelchair. They are hard working and proud and although they prefer to deal privately with family matters, this is too much. Both have recently retired, due to age, energy and ability, so they no longer have any employment income coming in. Any money put toward this van will come directly out of their own retirement savings. Robin's dad worked in the valley as a home builder and his mom as a secretary for the school district, so the purchase of this van would put a considerable dent in the modest savings they have.
It is my hope that people will remember the fun, active young man that Robin was and will donate in order to help him stay active and engaged in his current and future pursuits throughout the community. He enjoys talking to people young and old and we are always amazed by the number of people that stop him to say hello, while we are out and about in the valley. Thank you to those of you who take these moments to brighten his day! Thank you to those who are able to contribute! Every bit helps alleviate the financial burden.
Organizer
Carmen Zimmer
Organizer
Duncan, BC
