The story that follows is a warm hearted example of a community pulling together to provide for the needs of a child. The Provincial Disability Support Program provides similar assistance; however, it is restricted to $1,500 once in the life of the person with the disability. Other than trying to save money, this rule makes no sense since the cost is $20,000 plus the cost of the van. The van is not likely to last past 10 years.
Perhaps the Province has a new magic van that lasts forever and the adaptations are done by the shoemaker’s elves for little money. There are estimated to be more than 500 Islanders with disabilities who need this vehicle adaptation.
By Jim Brown JOURNAL PIONEER
Kensington – Spring Valley couple Michael and Sandra Marchbank could not believe their good fortune. “I was shocked. It’s an amazing, wonderful gift,” said Sandra Marchbank Wednesday at the Kensington Save Easy store.
Thanks to a $20,000 cheque from the President’s Choice Children’s Charity, presented by Save Easy’s owners Mike and Lorna Gallant, the Marchbanks have been able to purchase a 2007 Ford Freestar for their five-year-old disabled son. The total tab, including the van’s conversion to a wheel chair accessible vehicle, is $40,000.
Carson Marchbank is an autistic child who has a seizure disorder that can make him unstable on his feet. He must wear a helmet for safety, to protect him if he should fall.
“It’s made for a lot less lifting for us,” said Michael Marchbank. “Its saved our backs,” he joked. The Marchbanks also expressed their appreciation to other organizations for helping them to achieve their dream – including the Summerside Rotary Club and the Kensington Lion’s Club.
Friends and family members also contributed generously towards the van and its conversion to a wheelchair accessible vehicle with a fold down ramp and restraints.
“We never know when lie’s going to have his seizures, he’ll just drop without any warning at all,” said Sandra Marchbank. “He’s very unsteady on his feet, he walks on his tiptoes. He doesn’t navigate well around things.”
Their son lacks fear, “so he’ll run into things” that could hurt him, said Mike Marchbank. But the couple have dedicated friends and professionals to help them, said Sandra Marchbank. “We’ve got a wonderful support staff with his special needs worker at kindergarten, doctors and wonderful therapists that we’ve met along the way.”
Leave a Reply