Why Does Lucas Need A Van?

Written by Colleen O' Healy da Silva, aka Lucas's Mom

My son Lucas is an amazing child who is faced with a variety of challenges. He has a rare chromosome disorder (only case worldwide) that has made him completely dependent on the aide of others and his wheelchair. Lucas is unable to walk, crawl or even sit on his own. His wheelchair allows him to participate in the activities that others take for granted, such as attending school, going to the park, and going for other outings with family and friends. In his chair Lucas can sit at the table with us, he can be at a desk with his classmates, he can see the animals when we go to the zoo, he can look at books and work on puzzles and play with toys. Despite his disabilities Lucas is a joyful child and always has a smile for everyone. One of his favorite activities is going grocery shopping. Lucas loves to greet the other shoppers, who are quick to return his smile and shake his hand. Lucas wears a back brace to stabilize his spine which has a curve greater than 60 degrees. Without his brace his lung is starting to be crushed by this curve. Unfortunately, due to financial setbacks, we haven't been able to purchase a ramped van for Lucas. Whenever we travel, we take him out of his wheelchair and place him into a standard children's car seat. While his wheelchair is fitted for Lucas in his back brace, car seats are not and he can't travel in his back brace. This means that for the hours that Lucas spends in the car each week going to and from school and appointments his lung is being crushed and his spine is worsening. For Lucas, being able to travel in his wheelchair would be lifesaving. As parents, we are heartbroken that we can't provide for Lucas in this way, and are saddened even more knowing that each trip is putting his life more and more at risk. Lucas also has a lot of equipment that goes wherever he goes, and takes up a lot of space, making a van the ideal vehicle for him. We would love to be able to go on roadtrips and travel as a family, which also includes Lucas' baby brother, Gabriel, but Lucas can't handle those hours out of his brace and wheelchair. While his wheelchair allows him to take part in daily activities that others enjoy, a larger set of wheels is necessary to get him where he needs and wants to go. On behalf of our entire family, thank you for considering Lucas.