An Accessible vehicle for the Webb Family

The Webbs are a family of 6 in need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Matthew and Mary welcomed their first child, Gemma, in October 2013, and after a traumatic labour and delivery that nearly took the life of their newborn, Gemma was subsequently diagnosed with HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy), Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Due to the severity of Gemma’s Cerebral Palsy, she is unable to walk or control her movements, relying on a wheelchair for mobility since she was a toddler. Gemma has lived a life of medical fragility, resulting in frequent hospitalizations, various surgeries, daily medications and a home full of medical equipment. 

Gemma has always used a car seat, being transferred from her wheelchair to the vehicle and then back again by her parents. As Gemma grows, though, safe transfers for both Gemma and her parents are becoming more difficult. Gemma is taller now since having spinal surgery to correct severe scoliosis, and her medical equipment is also getting heavier. It is becoming increasingly difficult, dangerous and physically painful for her parents to transfer Gemma to the van and then to lift her heavy wheelchair into the trunk of the van. Loading Gemma up to go anywhere with the family’s current set up is also incredibly time consuming. It can take an excessive amount of time to load Gemma, her wheelchair and her 3 younger siblings into the van for what is sometimes only 5-10 minutes of actual driving time. The physical and time constraints of going anywhere without a wheelchair accessible vehicle means that the family is often isolated at home. 

A wheelchair accessible van would ease much of the burden of travelling with Gemma. Appointments would be easier to navigate for Mary, who already has an incredibly difficult time lifting the wheelchair without help. It would also mean that the Webbs could just get out as a family. Taking the kids to the beach, to the park or to visit family sometimes seems insurmountable. How wonderful would it be for the Webbs to be able to enjoy more activities that typical families often do without a second thought? The Webbs have always relied on their faith, trusting that God would provide for their family when the need arises. The need is great, now, for an accessible van with room for Gemma, her mom and dad and her 3 younger siblings. Any help you can provide to the Webb family will be so deeply appreciated.