The Short Story Of The Van Fund

My name is Michael O’Connell, and I have Muscular Dystrophy, and I used to drive a very old handicapped-equipped van that was just about to fall apart.

Unfortunately, my physical needs require me to have a certain kind of van with a certain kind of (very expensive) system, so getting another one of those was my only option for continued driving.

The old van

 

New vans with this system (the “Scott System”) are running at about $90,000. However, the company that builds these vans had a not-very used one available, right then, for about $50,000.

 

The new van, complete with pimped-out flames

 

Oops. Small problem. I didn't actually HAVE $50,000!

The Internet and the Van Fund

On the advice of friends who know about these things, what I did was take a wild chance and throw up a web page to see if people might be willing to help me out with it. There are all kinds of sites out there asking for (and getting) money for all kinds of reasons, and I figured maybe helping a guy out getting a special van that he needs to continue working and living independently might seem like a pretty good reason.

Ok, I couldn't show you my boobs (trust me, you'd rather not) or explain how I swapped a paperclip for a house, but I could show you a picture of me with the new van and forever have gratitude in my heart for all the people I didn't know who helped. At least, that was the plan. And while I was rather skeptical that anyone would just give money to me, a complete stranger, I went ahead.

So while I didn’t normally ask for help, as a rule? I asked in this case. Figured I had absolutely nothing to lose by trying.

 

 

Paying Back Grandma

My Grandma stepped in when I was about to miss my only chance to stay mobile and working.

If she hadn't, I would be looking at unemployment and not being able to get around.

She put herself into debt to the tune of $30k just for me. I'd like to pay her back.

Although I work, it isn't exactly a highly paid job. If you can help me, and my Grandma, with a small donation, I would appreciate it very much indeed.

Thank you.