Amber’s Story: Need a wheelchair accessible van

Amber's Story: In Need of a Wheelchair Accessible Van

On August 14, 1993, 4 year old Amber and her family were spending a day at the National Seashore beach. As Amber's mother was putting her younger sister down for a nap, young Amber began to cross the sand towards her father when a drunk driver sped through, tragically hitting her. The little girl suffered severe head and brain injury, and Halo flight was called. Due to the severity of the trauma, the doctor's believed Amber was not going to make it through the night. However, Amber miraculously persevered and survived, but she would no longer be mobile, and would continue to suffer from seizures. The doctors determined the little girl was now going to need around-the-clock long-term care, and believed she needed to be placed in a facility. Her parents refused this suggestion, as they knew in their hearts they needed to care for their baby girl on their own. The mother feared, due to her inability to speak, Amber would not have the ability to defend herself against wrongful treatment. Fueled by her heart's desire to nurture her baby, the mother took all of the classes needed in order to properly care for her daughter's new condition, and safely use the machines within their home.

With the hardships of taking care of their three little girls, Amber's parents decided to separate. This left Amber's mother with the responsibility to continue caring for her girls alone. Today, Amber is now 32 years old and weighs 130 pounds. Her mother has graciously lifted her in and out of cars throughout the years, as she has not been able to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Anna, the mother, has reached out to many programs seeking financial aid in order to acquire the much needed wheelchair accessible van, but has not received any help nor response. As Anna's friends, we have decided we can no longer allow Anna to put her body through the physical exertion of lifting her child, and are reaching out to the community for help.

Anna is the most selfless person I know, and in the past 15 years that I have been able to grow closer to her and her lovely family, I've never heard Anna complain about taking care of her daughter's needs. My husband and I had the opportunity to help Anna over a weekend carry Amber in and out of the car, and we could not believe how exhausted we felt just after a few lifts. Additionally, we were able to witness the full extent of what it takes to ensure Amber has the best quality of life that she deserves, and realize it is the greatest picture of what "mother's love" means. It is not easy.

I'm reaching out to friends, family, and businesses that can donate to help raise money towards purchasing a van with a lift and wheelchair accessibility. Anna is getting older, and won't always be able to carry her child and wheelchair, despite her healthy attempts towards working out and staying strong for her daughter. Additionally, this van would greatly ensure Amber's safety, and protect her body throughout the dips and turns of the road. As a mom, Anna has made many sacrifices for her girls, and made sure each of them had what they needed for a fruitful life. Now, she knows her daughter needs this van, but cannot afford the vehicle. Any donation is significantly appreciated, as we're helping Anna to improve Amber's safety, and achieve her goal of pouring love over her daughter.