Update from Abby 🤍 (on behalf of the Edwards family) 

I want to share a little more context about why a new van isn’t just a “nice upgrade” — it’s truly a necessity for this family. 

Yes, they have a wheelchair accessible van.
 But accessible only works if it actually works… and if everyone actually fits. 

Here’s what most people don’t realize: when something breaks on a wheelchair accessible van, it’s rarely simple. The dealership says the issue is with the accessibility conversion. The conversion company says it’s the dealership. Back and forth. Meanwhile, doors don’t fully shut. The automatic function doesn’t work consistently. Things that should bring freedom instead create stress and uncertainty. 

And then there’s space. 

When they purchased this van, James was in a manual chair and much smaller. The kids were in little car seats. Life looked different. 

Now? 

James uses an electric wheelchair that gives him independence and a voice through his eye gaze device. But the van cannot accommodate his chair with his communication setup in place. His eye gaze mount doesn’t fit in a way that allows others to sit safely with their legs down in the back. 

Imagine being told, every time you get in the car, that your voice has to stay behind. 

So they take it down. Or they take two vehicles. 

They are forced to drive two cars almost everywhere. If Gina (James’ caregiver) goes with them, it’s automatically two cars. When they travel long distances — which they often do because flying with his wheelchair isn’t realistic — they drive so he can have the equipment he needs. Two cars means double the gas, double the wear, double the stress. 

And the biggest issue?
 They simply don’t fit anymore. 

This isn’t about luxury. It’s about function. It’s about safety. It’s about being able to ride together as a family — including pretty mama. 😝 

Here’s what I’m asking as their friend: 

If just 10,000 of the 50,000 people following James on his FB page  gave $10, the goal would be met overnight.
Or if 1,000 people gave $100 — we already have 100 who have stepped up. We just need 900 more. 

There are so many ways to look at it. But the bottom line is this: it’s doable. 

You can give.
 You can share.
 Or you can share and say something specific like: 

“I need 10 friends to give $10. Will you be one?” 

That kind of invitation moves mountains. 

We’ll be sharing exclusive updates here as this journey unfolds. Please follow along. And if you’re someone who prays, there’s also a place on this page where you can raise your hand to pray for the family. 

Let’s help this family ride together. Let’s help James keep his voice in the van. Let’s help make daily life just a little lighter. 

I believe we can do this. 🤍