Barry's Wheelchair Accessible Van

My brother Barry is a 47-year-old paraplegic who is in desperate need of a wheelchair van with a lift.  As with everyone Barry depends on transportation for his family, work, daily living and especially for his independence.  A few weeks ago, Barry's 20-year-old vehicle became inoperable and cannot be repaired.  Barry is a dependable husband and father of four young children who rely heavily on Barry’s ability to be mobile with reliable transportation.  Unfortunately, his family has a very limited income and as a result is unable to afford a new, much needed, van. 

Over the years, Barry has had to make do with his small vehicle which resulted in permanent damage to his shoulders, hands, and arms, making it much more difficult to get in and out of a vehicle.  The vehicle Barry requires costs over $70,000.  Due to Barry’s increased mobility problems, his doctors have strongly suggested a wheelchair-accessible van and an electric wheelchair to slow down the irreparable damage to his hands, arms, and shoulders.  The doctors believe that if Barry stopped using a manual wheelchair and began using an electric-assisted wheelchair, he would slow the damage to his entire body.  However, this creates another situation because he then needs a van with a wheelchair lift. Should Barry be able to get the proper vehicle he would be able to use the ramp to avoid further damage to his body, decreasing the likelihood of becoming completely immobile.  

Barry has always been very independent, but the constant transferring in and out of a regular vehicle has caused a rotator cuff torn in two places, two torn biceps, and carpel tunnel in both wrists.  This damage is creating daily pain and additional complications for Barry and his family.  As a result of the recommendations by his doctors to have an electric wheelchair and a van with a lift, there are special modifications required to the family home as well. 

With humble and grateful hearts, we are kindly asking for donations, no matter the size, to help make it possible for Barry to obtain his electric wheel chair, wheelchair-accessible van, and to make the necessary home modifications.  I began this page not only because Barry is my brother and I love him with all my heart, but because he is a devoted and loving husband and father. I would like for him to be able to continue working, living, and being able to participate in an active life with his family. Every person deserves to have “quality of life”. Barry deserves to have a long and happy life, with his family, as free of pain as possible.

Please help us spread the word by sharing Barry's story with your Facebook family and friends, on Twitter, Instagram or e-mail

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Below is Barry's story in his own words for more details....

Imagine waking up in the hospital just weeks after high school graduation, remembering you were traveling to work as an able-bodied person and waking to a T3-T4 spinal cord injury.

In 1988 I was in a car accident that left me in ICU for a long time. After being released from the ICU I was transferred to rehab where I learned to manage my new condition and prepare myself for my new way of life.  As a new paraplegic, it was overwhelming to re-learn how to take care of myself. While I was in rehab an individual who had a similar injury visited with me about what life was going to be like in a wheelchair.  After his visit, I was left with the impression life would be just sitting at home.  Once discharged from rehab, I met others who relied on wheelchairs for mobility and from then on I realized life would move forward. I decided then and there that I was going to be determined to live a normal life, even as a paraplegic.

Eight years after my injury I met a special young woman who after 1½ years, became my wife.  As our relationship matured we decided to start a family, but this proved to be challenging. After meeting with specialists and trying expensive treatments, nothing was working. Therefore, we decided to pray and let God work His miracles. Today we stand blessed with four active children!

I believe being active within our community is vital to my daily success as a paraplegic.  With my mentoring and life accomplishments, in 2006 Immanuel Hospital’s Rehab Center awarded me the “Victory Award”.  This award represents an individual who has overcome barriers and demonstrates they have been able to continue on in life after having experienced a significant life challenge.

These rewards have come at a price.  As a paraplegic, I have had to maneuver myself in and out of vehicles since 1988.  As a result, I now have a shoulder injury as well as carpel tunnel in both hands, and bicep injuries resulting from transferring in and out of vehicles.  As you have read above, my physician tells me my shoulder is wearing out and he has recommended a van with a ramp to eliminate the need to transfer in and out of my vehicle.  We would like to purchase one, however the cost of an adapted van is not within our budget.  Having an adaptive van would allow me the opportunity to continue to work, serve my community, and be the father and husband I desire to be.