Gabrielle's Wheelchair Van
Donation protected
Welcome family and friends! I have started this wheelchair van fund for Gabrielle Kenzy, my beautiful 22-year-old daughter, who will be able to drive on her own within the next year. This would be impossible without an upgraded vehicle.
Miraculously, we have come across the opportunity to buy a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan wheelchair-accessible van (which retails for around $52,000+ brand new). This 2014 van will help Gabrielle qualify for special state funding, which will cover the cost of hand controls so she can drive the van herself. This will give Gab much-needed freedom.
The fundraising goal is $37,345 which is the balance owed for this special needs van. Before we started this campaign, someone generously gifted $5,000 which brought the amount down from $42,345. An answer to prayer! I am purchasing this van now, as our current vehicle has continual repair and safety issues.
Nothing gets in the way of Gabrielle reaching her life’s goals, particularly becoming a teacher. Gab will graduate in May 2015 with an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. In the fall of 2015, she will continue on with her Bachelor's to ultimately become a kindergarten teacher.
My ultimate goal is that Gabrielle will have this wheelchair van paid in full when she graduates with her Bachelor’s in May 2017. Then she can begin her teaching career without the burden of massive car payments on top of student loans.
Thank you for whatever you are able to give to make this a reality for Gabrielle. An investment in this wheelchair van is an investment in Gab.
In Gabrielle’s own words ...
“I have had to face a lot of obstacles throughout my life due to my disability, spina bifida, which limits me physically. Because of those hurdles, I have become both physically and mentally stronger, including the area of problem-solving which comes naturally to me. Despite my disability, there is nothing that will stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. My ultimate dream is to teach overseas, either in Central or South America.
I cannot get enough of volunteer work and helping others. In April 2009, my high school junior class traveled to Peru for a ten-day mission trip. It was my first time out of the country, and it was an absolutely amazing and life-changing experience. I immediately fell in love with the people and the culture. I assisted at a bilingual elementary school. In addition, I helped out at a children’s orphanage as well as a children’s rehab center. I hope to return one day.
For four summers, I was a Junior Volunteer (candy striper) at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. On one occasion, I was able to play with a little girl while she received cancer treatment. Afterwards, her mother thanked me for getting her daughter’s mind off the pain.
I volunteered for two summers at an after-school children’s program which I previously attended. Some of the staff members who were there when I was a toddler are still there today. I was especially pleased to work alongside them.
The rewards of being a teacher are many. I look forward to the opportunity of following my passion of making a difference in children’s lives.”
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed. Renee’ & Gabrielle
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Miraculously, we have come across the opportunity to buy a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan wheelchair-accessible van (which retails for around $52,000+ brand new). This 2014 van will help Gabrielle qualify for special state funding, which will cover the cost of hand controls so she can drive the van herself. This will give Gab much-needed freedom.
The fundraising goal is $37,345 which is the balance owed for this special needs van. Before we started this campaign, someone generously gifted $5,000 which brought the amount down from $42,345. An answer to prayer! I am purchasing this van now, as our current vehicle has continual repair and safety issues.
Nothing gets in the way of Gabrielle reaching her life’s goals, particularly becoming a teacher. Gab will graduate in May 2015 with an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. In the fall of 2015, she will continue on with her Bachelor's to ultimately become a kindergarten teacher.
My ultimate goal is that Gabrielle will have this wheelchair van paid in full when she graduates with her Bachelor’s in May 2017. Then she can begin her teaching career without the burden of massive car payments on top of student loans.
Thank you for whatever you are able to give to make this a reality for Gabrielle. An investment in this wheelchair van is an investment in Gab.
In Gabrielle’s own words ...
“I have had to face a lot of obstacles throughout my life due to my disability, spina bifida, which limits me physically. Because of those hurdles, I have become both physically and mentally stronger, including the area of problem-solving which comes naturally to me. Despite my disability, there is nothing that will stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. My ultimate dream is to teach overseas, either in Central or South America.
I cannot get enough of volunteer work and helping others. In April 2009, my high school junior class traveled to Peru for a ten-day mission trip. It was my first time out of the country, and it was an absolutely amazing and life-changing experience. I immediately fell in love with the people and the culture. I assisted at a bilingual elementary school. In addition, I helped out at a children’s orphanage as well as a children’s rehab center. I hope to return one day.
For four summers, I was a Junior Volunteer (candy striper) at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. On one occasion, I was able to play with a little girl while she received cancer treatment. Afterwards, her mother thanked me for getting her daughter’s mind off the pain.
I volunteered for two summers at an after-school children’s program which I previously attended. Some of the staff members who were there when I was a toddler are still there today. I was especially pleased to work alongside them.
The rewards of being a teacher are many. I look forward to the opportunity of following my passion of making a difference in children’s lives.”
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed. Renee’ & Gabrielle
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Organizer
Renée Kenzy
Organizer
Lewisburg, PA