Efforts are underway to help a Berks County family that is in desperate need of a new handicap-accessible van.
The family's current van is falling apart, posing big risks for daughter Alaina Derecola.
Alaina, 17, is faced with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease and other disorders. Despite her big smile, she is in constant pain.
"It's hard. You don't want to ask for the help. You try to do it all yourself, but it's hard. Every day, you know, you try to get to the next day, one day at a time," said mom, LeAnn.
For LeAnn and her husband, many of those days require transporting Alaina from their Douglass Township home to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
"We go back and forth a lot," said LeAnn. "So, it's a lot of wear and tear on our car."
The 13-year-old van is now rusting and has trouble getting started and warming up.
"She needs safety. She needs security to know she can get there and back without having to worry about her van breaking down or something fallin' off of it, so I had to do something," said Anne Benfield, Alaina's school bus driver.
For two years, Benfield has taken Alaina to Boyertown Area Senior High in her special needs school bus.
"I love that kid," Benfield said. "I love LeAnn and their family. They're awesome people. They deserve something safe."
In attempting to collect funds for the family, Benfield has launched an online fundraiser. In less than a week, she's collected more than $500.
"My goal is to have a check signed to pay [for] a vehicle in full for LeAnn and her family," she said.
It's an effort that could make a big difference for the one-income family. Alaina's brother also has special needs.
LeAnn told 69 News that she is overwhelmed by the support of community members and loved ones.
"I just appreciate all the help that anybody can give for Alaina because she deserves it. She's a fighter. She's everything."
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1zP4PdD
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire