Community Donates Wheelchair Accessible Van to Family in Need
A Heartwarming Gesture of Kindness
A few weeks back, WGN News first told you about the Hickey family who was in need of a reliable vehicle for their wheelchair-bound son, Adin, who had just undergone a life-saving heart transplant.
From Struggle to Freedom
For 11-year-old Adin Hickey and his mother Melissa, this van represents freedom. “Our hearts feel full; we’re excited; we’re so happy and we want to thank everybody,” Melissa said.
A Community Effort
WGN News first met the family a few weeks back when Melissa reached out with Adin’s wish: to be home in time for Christmas. Adin was recovering at Lurie Children’s Hospital from a life-saving heart transplant. He was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has been wheelchair-bound since he was 9 years old.
A GoFundMe Campaign
Adin needed a reliable wheelchair van for transportation and after our story aired, WGN viewers stepped up and donated to a GoFundMe to help pay for a van and cover costs of maintenance and his care.
A Generous Donation
But that’s not all. Bettenhausen Automotive in Tinley Park donated the used, reliable van with everything the family needs to get around town. “Completely free to the family, fully accessible. It comes equipped with a side entry power wheelchair that folds out. Adin will be able to go ahead and be secured to the vehicle and be transported,” General Manager of Bettenhausen Automotive Todd Navarrete said.
A New Lease on Life
Melissa said everyday errands are often a tough task, but that all changed Monday as the family got a tour of their van and all its features. “It’s very hard trying to get [Adin] out of a car, to pick him up out of a car, put him back in the car. I had to get a scooter out the car just to get to the grocery store. I have no room for groceries,” Melissa said.
A Community’s Impact
It’s a reminder of what’s possible when the community comes together. “We hope this van giveaway can help Adin with everything he can do. Being a child, hang with his friends, go where he needs to go and do what he wants to do,” Navarrete said.
A Brighter Future
As for what’s next, Melissa said they are going to take things day by day, all while enjoying their new ride.
Conclusion
The Hickey family’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact that kindness can have on people’s lives. We are grateful to Bettenhausen Automotive and all the WGN viewers who contributed to Adin’s GoFundMe campaign.
FAQs
Q: What was Adin’s condition before the heart transplant?
A: Adin was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has been wheelchair-bound since he was 9 years old.
Q: What was Adin’s wish?
A: Adin’s wish was to be home in time for Christmas.
Q: How did the community respond to Adin’s story?
A: WGN viewers stepped up and donated to a GoFundMe to help pay for a van and cover costs of maintenance and Adin’s care. Bettenhausen Automotive also donated a wheelchair accessible van to the family.
