Meet Gabe and His Family 💙

Gabe just turned 9 years old, and like most kids his age, he’s growing fast. Today he weighs nearly 75 pounds, and his wheelchair weighs another 70 pounds. Simply getting in the car—has become a daily challenge.

Gabe lives with CACNA1A-related disorder, a rare genetic condition. CACNA1A is a very large gene on the 19th chromosome. Variations in their gene can cause neurodegenerative disease and a variety of neurological symptoms. Cacna1a is also the source of Gabe's eplilepsy, specifically, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Partial Cortical Visual Impairment(CVI), and Hemiplegic Migraines.


The Challenge 🚗

Currently, Gabe’s parents lift him into their large SUV, and disassembles his wheelchair to fit it in the trunk. This process is time consuming, physically demanding, and unsafe.
After attending an abilities expo last fall, the family tested several accessible vehicles. Unfortunately, wheelchair-accessible minivans were simply too small for their family of six.


The Need ♿

The family is now working with a mobility dealer to secure a full-size wheelchair-accessible van, specifically a Ford Transit.

This vehicle would provide:

✔ Safe transportation for Gabe while seated in his wheelchair
✔Protection from injury for caregivers who currently lift him daily
✔ Enough room for their entire family to travel together
✔ Accessibility to therapies, appointments, school, and outings

Due to the modifications required for Gabe's needs, the total cost is approximately $150,000—far more than a standard family vehicle.


 The Reality

Many people don’t realize the financial impact of raising a child with medical needs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising a neurotypical child costs about $240,000.

But raising a child with a disability or complex medical condition can cost between $1.4 million and $2.4 million over the course of childhood.

Families like Gabe’s face enormous challenges that go far beyond what most people ever see.


Follow Their Journey ❤️

Erica and Gary will be sharing updates here as they work toward securing the accessible van and improving daily life for Gabe and their family.

Thank you for helping make Gabe's world more accessible, and giving him the chance to experience all the things other kids do-together with his family.