On Thursday, Dec. 7, the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation (MDFF) will give away a fully-funded wheelchair-accessible vehicle to a deserving Hoosier family living with muscular dystrophy.
The handing of the keys to the Bousum Family will occur from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Superior Van & Mobility, 13095 Parkside Drive, Fishers. MDFF has partnered with Superior Van & Mobility for years to be able to provide accessible vans.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, MDFF has chosen three families to receive their very own accessible van. While MDFF may not be able to find all three families a perfect van this calendar year, the organization will give them their van when the right one is found.
MDFF is paying the full cost for the accessible van for the Bousum Family, which comes to $49,450. MDFF will pay for the chassis (the vehicle base frame that costs roughly $30,000) for the other two accessible van recipients, and Vocational Rehabilitation will be involved and fund hand controls, driver training and conversion costs to make the chassis wheelchair accessible. That will make 13 accessible vans given away over the past eight years.
“Consider this situation: you are stuck at home, wheelchair bound and your physical, spiritual, and mental life are spiraling downward,” MDFF President Tim Doyle said. “Hope is lost and the outlook looks bleak. And then … you are given a beautiful $50,000 accessible wheelchair van for free and your whole world and outlook immediately changes for the better! That’s what MDFF provided to different Hoosier families over the years. The result? Tears of joy and a sense of freedom that they never quite experienced before! Let’s have them tell you about it – read their stories on our website!”
Applications for MDFF’s 2024 Accessible Van Giveaway Program open on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Requirements to apply to a van are: A) be diagnosed with muscular dystrophy or a neuromuscular disease (according to the applicable diseases listed on the national Muscular Dystrophy Association website); B) reside in the state of Indiana; C) have a need for a mobility van; and D) have the financial resources to pay for insurance, plates, and maintenance of the vehicle.
MDFF also provides direct financial assistance in equipment and home modification needs. Examples of home and vehicle modifications funded in the past include widening home doorways, making home bathrooms handicapped accessible/and more usable, installation of home and van ramps, portable electric wheelchairs, seat elevators, support rails, power wheelchair lifts for vehicles, stair lifts, and body lifts for increased home mobility. The provision of such equipment, modifications, and repairs can greatly contribute to much-needed dignity, improved quality of life, and increased independence for the individuals facing the progressive challenges of this disease as well as their families. Applications for this program are accepted year-round.
About MDFF
The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation uses the power of giving to increase the quality of life and independence of people with muscular dystrophy – and empower their families – through advocacy, education, and financial assistance. Learn more at MDFF.org.