Ricy & family need a wheelchair accessible van

Hello! My name is Bonnie Walther and I am one of Frederic (Ricy) Dezelan's grandmothers. I am requesting help to get a wheelchair accessible van for Ricy and his family. On June 6, 2022, I received a call from my son, Joshua, that no parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, friend, etc. should ever have to receive.......Ricy had been shot in the neck while at a neighbor's house.

Who is Ricy.....and his family?

Ricy is a 14-year old young man with a great potential for a bright future. He is funny, loving, compassionate, smart, handsome, and so many other things. He is a little brother to Sueanna who is his best friend. He has four (4) younger siblings; Francis (12), Jonathan (11), Aubree (9), and Zachary (6). He is a son to Amber/Joshua Walther and Matt/Joanna Dezelan. He is a friend to many.

Unfortunately, the events of June 6, 2022 changed so many things for Ricy and his family. After being shot, he died in his mother's arms at the scene; however, thank God for a couple wonderful neighbors (heroes), he was revived. He was rushed to the nearest trauma center, Ocala Regional Medical Center until he was able to be transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He died two more times that day but Praise God, he is a fighter. He remained in ICU until he was stable enough to breathe on his own. He was then transferred to Brooks Rehab Center in Jacksonville on July 19th, where he received exceptional care and therapy. On August 5th, after 2 greuling months of his family being torn apart (a parent spent the night at the hospital and rehab every night), Ricy got to go home!!! Life has been changed forever as Ricy is now a C6-7 quadriplegic (paralyzed with very limited mobility from the chest down). He requires 24/7 care and special accommodations for day to day activities that most of us take for granted. His injuries have affected him and his family mentally/emotionally, physically, and financially.

While most children were enjoying their summers going to amusement parks, fishing swimming, camping, biking, hanging out with friends, vacationing, etc., Ricy's family was torn apart and unable to be together to do these things. The family has a vehicle that is broken down and no resources to get it fixed as an electric issue is suspected of being the problem. They have to rely on family and friends to go anywhere and getting the day to day necessities.

What is a Wheelchair Accessible Van?

Wheelchair accessible vans are used by people confined to a wheelchair. They are equipped with special ramps, floors and roofs. The accessible vans make driving, riding and traveling much easier for persons with disabilities. Further, they offer flexibility in design and style.

Vans come with driver side, passenger side or rear ramp access. Equipment can include power lifts or ramps. The power lift brings the wheelchair in line with the van’s floor, where the chair can be placed, and safely secured. A ramp allows the chair to be easily rolled into the van.

Why is a wheelchair accessible van needed?

Ricy has a spinal cord injury that does not allow him to transfer to get into a regular vehicle. His electric wheelchair weighs between 350 and 400 pounds. Ricy weighs around 125 pounds so lifting him into a vehicle in the chair is not an easy task. Not having transportation will prevent Ricy from attending events with his family and friends. A couple weeks ago, we loaded him into my van for a family outing and it was quite the ordeal. Joshua lifted him from his wheelchair and put him in the front seat. As he was transferring him, someone had to hold his neck since he has no control. Once seated, he had to be placed in a somewhat reclined position with someone sitting behind him to hold his head in place. Meanwhile, the wheelchair does not fold up so the back seats of the van had to be folded down and two people had to lift the chair into the van. Consequently, for his entire family of eight (8) to go to the family gathering, we had to take the van and another family member's vehicle. The transferring to and from the vehicle was painful for his arm and he said he doesn't want to go anywhere else unless is it a vehicle that he can roll his wheelchair into.

Prior to being paralyzed, Ricy was an active, healthy young man with a zest for life. He had a job with great co-workers/friends and loved to spend time with his family. This disability has taken so much from him.....can you imagine only being able to go where your wheelchair will take you?

On behalf of Ricy and the entire family, thank you so much for.your time and consideration in donating. If you are unable to donate, please pray for the family and share this fundraiser to help get the word out.