Accessible Van for Dez!

Dez is a young adult, who went into the hospital approximately 6 weeks before his 19th birthday, in the spring of 2020. At the time, Dez was having issues with his digestive system and couldn't keep food down, as well as experiencing repeat infections and pain. Dez and family thought the hospital admission may last a few days, but it has now turned into a few years. What they have learned through the last few years is that Dez is suffering from severe late effects from his childhood cancer treatment. The side effects have changed his nervous system, digestive system, adrenal functioning and much more. Dez started to lose functioning in his legs over 6 years ago and has used a wheelchair since then. Dez depends on IV fluids and nutrition, which is why Dez hasn't been able to live outside the hospital for the last few years. Although Dez's body is failing his physical needs in many ways, Dez has continued to work on his kinesiology degree at UVIC throughout his hospital stay. Through medication, Dez manages many symptoms including, pain, nausea, blood pressure issues, blood sugar fluctuations, to name a few. Dez's hospital care team has made some important discoveries in Dez's condition over the last 2 years, which has given Dez's physical health greater stability, although he is still dependent on many medications, IV nutrition, and has to endure frequent medical procedures. With this stability, Dez has been able to visit his family's home 4 days a week. Unfortunately, the medical team has yet to come up with a sustainable plan for Dez to live outside of the hospital. This has been difficult for Dez and family, as any 22 year old should not live a life in the hospital. Hospitals don't have living rooms, study spaces, or kitchens, and don't allow for family living. There are no long-term care facilities designed to support patients living on Total Parenteral Nutrition (IV nutrition), and the host of other care needs that Dez has. Dez's family is hoping to support Dez's home and community visits by acquiring a wheelchair accessible van. With an accessible van, Dez's family and caregivers will be able to take Dez for outings into nature, bring Dez home, and take Dez to in-person classes at UVIC. Right now the family has been bringing Dez home for day visits using their inaccessible van, which requires a lot of lifting and disassembling of his manual wheelchair each time Dez is transported. Their van does not have a lift or ramp to accommodate Dez's powerchair. If Dez had use of an accessible van, he would have greater access to community activities and his stamina for outings would increase, greatly. Dez’s family has found a 2019 accessible van listed at $58,000 and currently have $30,000 towards the purchase price. Dez and family are hoping for the support of their community in reaching their goal by raising the additional $28,000.