Hi, my name is Billy Watkins and I am 14  years old.  I am asking for your help to buy a handicap accessible van.  When I was 2 days old I was diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and hypertonia.  HIE is a condition that results from a lack of oxygen to the brain.  As a result, I have a seizure disorder, developmental delay and chronic respiratory failure.  I also have spastic hypertonia which causes me to have uncontrollable muscle spasms, and stiffening or straightening out of muscles.  I have a tracheostomy (breathing tube) and am on a ventilator at all times.  I cannot eat anything by mouth and have a feeding tube.  I also have muscle contractures and scoliosis.  I am unable to move on my own and need a wheelchair to get around.


I see many specialists in Philadelphia and need to have reliable transportation to and from the city.  My parents have a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette van that needs a lot of repairs.  This van was fine when I was smaller, but now that I am bigger I need a van that can hold my wheelchair and all of my equipment (ventilator, suction machine, pulse ox machine and feeding pump).  My daddy is the only one who can lift me in and out of our current van.  As I grow bigger, this has become more difficult, especially because my dad recently had surgery on his leg and can't lift me in and out of the van.  Life would be so much safer for everyone if my wheelchair could be rolled into the van and tied down.

 
One of my greatest pleasures in life is going on outings with my family.  I enjoy watching my little brother, Ben, play sports and participate in Cub Scouts.  I also like to visit my extended family, and go to the park and to the movies.  However, because it is so difficult to transport me, I often have to stay home with one of my parents while the other goes out with Ben.  Having an accessible van would allow me to participate in more activities, be a part of the family and have a better quality of life. Some times we can get a ride to the doctors but not family events.

 
Thank you so much for considering my request.  My family appreciates any assistance that will help get us closer to our goal.  if you can't donate please share.   God bless you!


Http://Trachkids.org /members/billy