Help Craig get a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle

When most people think of their mid-60’s, they might envision these years being spent with family. I wish I could see this happening for my Uncle Craig. Unfortunately, being in a power chair has limited Craig’s transportation and, thus, his ability to pick up and go to family events.

We are so lucky that as soon as he turned 65, Craig was able to move to a nursing home that has access to vehicles that will take him to medical appointments. Before this, he would be stuck relying on the local PACE bus to pick him up for his appointments. Even after scheduling a ride in advance, the bus would often not show up, leaving Craig stuck to reschedule both the original appointment and the bus ride, in the hopes that the bus would show up the second time.

That being said, I wish Craig could get out of his room more than just to go to a doctor’s office. Our family has done their best over the years to help Craig travel where he needs to go. There are some strong guys in the family that have lent many hands and shoulders over the years (thank you so, so much to Uncle Jason, Cousin Joe, and Miles the Marine). Thanks to their generosity, Craig has been able to enjoy family gatherings at Christmastime and summer barbeques, and just interacting with the dozens of cousins and second cousins he has. Feel free to watch him dancing at a wedding reception in the video below :) Now cue….the guilt. Whenever there are smaller get-togethers and I see that Craig isn’t included, I can’t help but wonder if we have done enough. While we have done our best, could we have done better?

This is where I am asking for anyone and everyone’s help. Whether you can contribute $5 or you can share this with someone you know, my family and I would appreciate all that you can do to help Craig be able to get a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Used vehicles can have over 80,000 miles on them, whereas a newer accessible vehicle can cost upwards of $60,000-80,000. Whatever we raise will go to a used vehicle of some type – even if it’s only $5,000!

We just want to be able to offer our favorite uncle (sorry Jason) a basic dignity that most people take for granted. The ability to say “I’d like to go play cards with my cousins,” or “Do you want to come over for dinner and a movie Wednesday night?” and we can’t do that because we can’t transport him anywhere. With an accessible vehicle, we feel like life would open back up to Craig. We really appreciate everyone’s help, more than you know.