Why do we even need this fundraiser? Buying a car is one thing, but getting a vehicle that is wheelchair accessible is an entirely different beast. In general, adding access to a van adds somewhere between $20,000-60,000 onto the normal price. For example, a new 2025 Toyota Sienna starts at about $40,000. A new 2025 Toyota Sienna from United Access (a reputable van conversion company) is listed at $62,081. 

Now when we are looking for a vehicle to convert we have to keep several things in mind. The most basic is that not all vans qualify for conversion. Only certain makes and models will be converted by reputable companies. Then of course there are the needs of Madeleine and our family. We could get a minivan but since we have to travel out of state frequently for medical care, we need the extra room a full size van (such as a Ford Transit) affords us so that we can bring not only our suitcases but also all of Madeleine's equipment which includes things like an oxygen concentrator and a ventilator. We need to have the room for Oliver to be able to ride in the car comfortably now but also in the future. Since we are purchasing a van when Madeleine is young we want it to last as long as possible. This means it will need to accommodate a larger wheelchair than what Madeleine has now AND Oliver's long legs when he's a teenager. We could buy an old van with lots of miles on it for a bit cheaper, but that puts us in the same position of having to purchase another overly expensive vehicle in a couple years.

When we add all this together, we are left looking at a hefty price for access to travel. Just today I received an e-mail from a company saying that they found a van we might like that has already been converted. The cost? $122,000. That same van without conversion is about $60,000. 

This is why we are so grateful for all of your support! Without all of your help, we simply wouldn't have the ability to travel.