Help My Dad get a New Wheelchair Accessible Van
Donation protected
My dad was in a car wreck on February 23rd, leaving him without transportation.
Because my dad is quadriplegic, the cost of buying a new van is much more expensive than buying a normal van, due to the necessary modifications to make the van accessible for a wheelchair.
My dad has just over $15,000 saved up to buy a new van, and we would love to take care of this ourselves, but we are falling short of the mark and need your help to get him a van that will be reliable and safe for him! I am hoping to raise an additional $50,000 to help my dad get into a decent van that meets his needs.
We want to get him a good, used sprinter van that costs around $35,000 that will get him from point A to point B without problems. However, the costs don't stop there...
We will need to do a wheelchair-conversion on the van he gets which will increase the price of the vehicle by approximately $30,000.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for the accessibility modifications (parts and installation) my dad needs in a van to make it work for him:
- Lowered-Floor Conversion: $15,000+ - Depending on the van, the floor will need to be lowered anywhere from 6 to 14 inches in the van for my dad to be able to fit and roll his wheelchair in it.
- Ramp: $3,500 - This is how my dad gets in the car. In addition to the ramp, the door needs to open electronically, and he needs a switch installed that allows him to open and close it all.
- Swivel Chair/Transfer Seat: $5,000 - This allows my dad to move the driver seat forward and back and swivel it toward his wheelchair so he can transfer into the seat for driving or getting back into the wheelchair.
- Hand Controls: $2,500 - Allows my dad to access the gas and brake pedals with his hands since he can't push them with his feet.
- Updated Rear Suspension: $3,500 - Adds stability for entering and leaving the vehicle, using the ramp, as well as for driving.
Getting a reliable van for my dad will mean so much to him and give him greater ability to do more, including taking road trips to see his grandkids. His other van was old (1995) and unreliable. It made him nervous to drive long distances, and he doesn't fly well due to issues caused by his disability, so he rarely traveled out of the city.
Raising the additional $50,000 will help us reach the needed $65,000 to get a great van and make the necessary modifications to make it wheelchair-accessible. If we happen to make more money than the cost of the van and conversion, we will be able to get much-needed work done on his wheelchair or get a new one (it was damaged in the accident as well).
Again, we need your help!! If possible, please donate and share this post. If you are unable to donate, please still share so we can reach the goal and get my dad a nice van.
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. I will be sure to make updates on the progress of this fundraiser and any purchases made with the money you donate.
Fundraising team (3)
Chad Neth
Organizer
Springville, UT
Michael Neth
Beneficiary
Jessica Neth
Team member
Mark Neth
Team member