Colin: A 24 year old with Cerebral Palsy could lose independence
Colin, 24, is characterized by friends and family as determined, motivated and ambitious. Despite the daily obstacles he faces with a diagnosis of Spastic Cerebral Palsy coupled with severe vision and mobility impairments, Colin has achieved many successes. He has recently graduated from college. Colin attributes a lot of his success to his tremendously supportive family. Currently Colin lives with his father, mother and sister and together they provide each other with support, both emotionally and financially.
Colin contacted Partners in Care Foundation’s Family Care Network for funds to purchase a vehicle lift. Family Care Network program staff applied to Change a Life Foundation, the program’s primary donor, on behalf of Colin. Funds for a vehicle lift were requested to alleviate the strain and risk for injury that Colin was currently experiencing.
At the time of application, Colin’s parents had great difficulty maneuvering his wheelchair and assisting him with transferring out of his wheelchair and into the family van. Due to their ages and physical limitations, it was increasingly difficult to lift Colin into and out of the van. Both of his parents worried that they were risking injury to Colin and themselves when lifting him into the car. Some days were more difficult than others. Colin missed several medical appointments and classes in the past due to his parents increasing weakness and difficulty with loading the wheelchair in the van.
Change a Life Foundation stepped in for Colin when there was no one. A grant was awarded to provide Colin with a vehicle lift. His wheelchair accessible vehicle has enabled him to continue to pursue his education, in the least restrictive manner possible.
Specifically this new vehicle lift has relieved the daily stress and pain on his body, prevented risk for fall and injury and enabled him to become even more self-reliant and independent. It has provided him with safe and comfortable transfers in and out of the van. He is now able to remain in the wheelchair and avoid the risk of injury when transferring.
A simple change with a profound impact...
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About Family Care Network and Change a Life Foundation: Partners in Care Foundation launched Family Care Network in 1997 as a safety-net program for low income, underserved individuals and families who are facing a disability, chronic illness or catastrophic life event.
