Posts Tagged ‘accessible handicap van’

Handicap Van Given By Ride Away

Ride Away, America’s largest dealer for handicap vans recently had a ceremony where their Vice President gave an accessible handicap van to Isaiah Gomez. Isaiah has been living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for the last 9 years. Although Ride Away gets dozens of requests for handicap conversion vans, it isn’t possible to help everyone. They do however contribute over 10 percent of corporate earnings to non-profit efforts, and 85 percent of their employees volunteer.

“Our corporate culture is one built upon always doing the right thing and making a difference in the communities we live and work in,” Ride Away’s Vice President said. “I knew about Isaiah Gomez’s story, so when I heard that Isaiah was in need of a handicap access van, I knew we needed to do what we could to get them the vehicle they so desperately needed and deserved.”

DMD is a genetic disease which causes muscle wasting and weakness, causing degeneration of the muscles over time. Symptoms first appear between the age of 2 and 6, and affects mostly boys. By early teenhood, heart and respiratory muscles become affected. People with DMD rarely survive past the age of 30, and as they age, handicap vans or other accessible vehicle becomes necessary for transport.

Even though Isaiah has had many obstacles throughout his life, he has fought back to enjoy life. He advocates for other families and works to create awareness about DMD. His new handicap conversion van will make it easier to get around and help others. He is also well known in the MDA community, even serving as an official ambassador at times. The 2004 MDA New Hampshire bike ride was even dedicated to him because of his selfless efforts toward others.

“This handicap access van is amazing,” said Isaiah. “I now have the freedom to do things that I haven’t been able to do before.”

With their new handicap van Isaiah has the ability to do things he once couldn’t. Isaiah and his family are going to take a family vacation for the first time ever. He also loves to go to the movies, an activity that once required a lot of planning and hassle.

A happy story like Isaiah’s can give people hope, especially when economic times have so many sad stories. Many disabled people think no options exist for living a better lifestyle, and Isaiah’s story should inspire those who are disabled to find handicap conversion vans or other means of improving their lives.

Riley Still Needs A Handicap Lift Van

Last March, we told you about Riley, a 10 year old from Clinton, MI who needs a handicap accessible van for him and his family.

The good news is, they are working with MobilityWorks to find the right accessible van conversion with a handicap lift.  They’ve even been able to collect over $13,000, thanks in part to their blog and the awareness raised on the internet.  They are closing in on the right accessible handicap van, and time is running out to donate.  Go to Riley’s website for more information and to make a donation.