New Wheelchair-Accessible Van for Derrick Redcay

The friends of Derrick Redcay Strong have launched a campaign to help the Redcay family purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van to replace the aging van they have used since Derrick’s spinal stroke in 2014. Wear and tear is beginning to affect the operation of both the engine and wheelchair lift of their current van, causing frequent breakdowns. Derrick relies on the van to be able to get to school, work, doctor appointments and just to get out of the house and try to live the best life he possibly can. Because of Derrick’s height and the size of his motorized chair, accessible minivans are too low for Derrick. He needs a full-size wheelchair-accessible conversion van which can cost $65,000+ with the necessary equipment. We have started a campaign to try to offset as much of that cost as we can for Derrick’s parents, Brian and Deb. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. About Derrick Redcay: On April 24, 2014, 18-year-old Muhlenberg High School senior, Derrick Redcay suffered a rare spinal cord stroke while at school. The stroke severed his spinal cord nerves at the C4 - C6 area. As a result, Derrick is paralyzed below the neck with only limited sensations and movement. Derrick was a member of the high school varsity baseball team, the Alsace Lutheran Church youth group and was a member of the National Technical Honor Society. Derrick was also a volunteer firefighter with the Goodwill Fire Company, helping out at a 5-alarm blaze in the township less than 24 hours before he was stricken. Derrick was accepted to the University of New Haven to study Fire Science.