The Burgi family of Salmon Arm are reaching out for help to pay for a wheelchair lift conversion for their van.
The Burgi’s 12-year-old son Nathan has been diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder, cerebellar disease with ataxia and tremors, neurodevelopment delays, cortical visual impairment and autism. As a result he cannot speak or walk and is confined to a wheelchair.
The family have set up a GoFundMe page and are seeking help offsetting the cost of the wheelchair lift conversion for their van which carries an estimated cost of $29,428.
“He’s getting pretty big, so lifting him and his wheelchair in and out ourselves is becoming a challenge,” said Nathan’s mother Danielle.
Cops for Kids has agreed to contribute $5,000 to the conversion. Burgi said they have applied to other charities including the Shriners, Variety and President’s Choice for help with the van conversion.
There are no longer any government programs to assist with the cost of the conversion. The Giving in Action Society had previously provided support for individuals with disabilities and their families, but had their government funding cut in April 2014.
The webpage for Nathan’s wheelchair van conversion can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/nathanb. The page has raised $1,125 from nine donors in the 25 days it has been open.