Reitz Family Mobility Van Fund

The Reitz Family Story!

In 2013 our first son, Jedd, was born 14 1/2 weeks early due to maternal HELLP Syndrome, a severe form or pre-eclampsia. Shortly after his birth he suffered from large bilateral brain hemorrhages which resulted in a brain injury and eventually a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.  Jedd spent nearly 4 months in the hospital and there were many times we thought we would lose him. It was a very difficult time for us.

Fast forward THREE years and Jedd is doing great! He has started school and he loves it! He is learning to walk and talk! His favorite activities are watching weather forecasts, reading books, and swimming! He has a little brother now who he adores. We couldn't be more pleased with how well he is doing. He makes us burst with pride!

As Jedd progresses his equipment needs grow. He is learning to walk with a gait trainer (its like a walker but bulkier). He has a stander that he uses to help build the strength of his bones. Soon, we will be getting him a wheelchair. That brings us to our current NEED.

Our family vehicle is a small Toyota Matrix. I remember when we bought it I thought it would be my Colorado mountain go-kart for many years to come! (We relocated from Colorado to Maryland after Jedd was born for family support and proximity to medical care.) Unfortunately my little go-kart is unable to transport all of Jedd's equipment. The time has come for us to get a handicap accessible vehicle that will allow us to transport all of Jedd's items. If we are able to transport his walker AND a wheelchair. We can encourage Jedd to walk as much as he can endure but also have a wheelchair available to him when he fatigues.

We have researched several different types of vehicles. We think the Toyota Sienna Mobility Van would be a good fit for us and Jedd. It offers a seat that swivels to the outside of the van allowing assistance with getting in and out. It could be a back saver in the future....as he gets big and tall! In addition, it comes directly from Toyota versus a 3rd party which allows us the benefit of a dealership warranty and it is built in the U.S.A.(specifically...Indiana)!

We have started this gofundme to help us raise money for the van. We GENUINELY appreciate your help!

When I look back on the last three years I know we couldn't have gotten here without the love and support of our family and friends. We are so very blessed to have each of you in our lives and we are eternally grateful for each and everyone of you. God has been good to our family and we know he will continue to provide for us.

Thank you,
The Reitz Family