Driven to Succeed

Four years ago Jarrod moved in with our family. He weighed forty pounds and it was easy to lift him and his wheelchair out of a mini van. Today he is 75 pounds, not only is he heavier, but his wheelchair is too. Jarrod has recently been given the diagnosis of Scoliosis, which means he will need to go into a Gillette seat, which will make his wheelchair even heavier to lift. This diagnosis, along with Cerebral Palsy, Seizures, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, GERD, ANSD, Optic Eye Atrophy, and Acrocyanosis , requires frequent medical appointments. It is getting increasingly difficult to do the multiple transfers and lift his chair in and out of the van.

Mom moved in with us also, Christmas Eve 2011. Six strokes have left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to care for herself. She too is in a wheelchair. Unlike Jarrod, we are unable to lift her into a car or van. For mom to be able to leave the house, dad has to rent a van. This is very costly and the companies are not always able to provide one.


A year ago, we test drove an MV 1. At that time, the manufacturer was VPG. Believe in Miracles put a down payment on one for us, and we began fundraising. I also applied for help through the state, on behalf of Jarrod. As of today, we are a little less than half way in reaching our goal. We have entered van contests to win a van, but didn't even come close to getting enough votes to win. The MV 1 is the most cost effective vehicle for our family, especially with two people in need of an accessible vehicle. We are currently selling pizza coupons to raise additional funds also. We were unable to purchase the 2013 MV 1, as VPG was seized by the government. A new company through AM General is beginning production once again. I have faith that through prayer and support from family, friends, and the community, we can reach our goal! I am praying that we will be able to be on the road in a 2014 MV 1 in March.