The family of a Wyndham Vale boy with cerebral palsy and epilepsy say they’ve been overwhelmed by community support to help them buy a wheelchair conversion for their family car.
The Smith family started an online fundraiser in February to raise the $17,000 needed for the wheelchair conversion, which will allow Jack to get in and out of the family car without assistance.
Jack’s mother, Tneale, says the wheelchair conversion will be life-changing for Jack.
“At the moment, the wheelchair is more than 100 kilograms and Jack weighs 30,” Mrs Smith said.
“If we want to take Jack somewhere, we have to take the chair apart manually and lift it in, then put Jack in. With the wheelchair conversion, he’d be able to drive himself straight into the back of a car, which would give him that confidence-boosting independence.”
Dad Robert said the family had raised more than $14,000, and were overwhelmed by the community support.
Most recently, the Werribee and Little River Lions clubs each donated $1000 to the cause.
“Family and friends have helped us, and we’ve had a few fundraisers … it’s been ridiculous, really,” Mr Smith said.
“We thought we were wasting our time back in February when we started the page, it’s a bit overwhelming how well we’re going.”
Click here to donate.
