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Today, Car Phase 1 has been completed.
When we found out about Ella's SMA we knew we'd need a modified car that would carry 3 kids in car seats all in one row and a power wheelchair (that ended up being a 311 lb power wheelchair!) in the back...a tall order. The only vehicle that is wide enough to accomplish this is the 2012 Honda Odyssey.
Our friends, family and even strangers came to our side and raised enough money to help us purchase the minivan and have it modified. With unending love, perfectly placed encouragement, and generous financial support...the hearts of many came forward to provide for our family. The reality of purchasing this vehicle would have never been realized if not for the compassion of so many people.
We spent the entire morning at the Honda Dealer negotiating a deal for the new minivan that we needed. We brought to the table our needs and our story. They listened and they worked with us.
Honda accepted our initial offer for the new Odyssey. They gave us an excellent appraisal on our trade-in. They also will allow us to continue driving the trade-in until the new Odyssey has had all the modifications completed (4-6 weeks).
Our sights now turn toward Mobility Works and the actual modifications. On Monday we will drop off the new Odyssey to Mobility Works along with a deposit for the modifications. They will send the minivan out to have the following done:
- Remove the entire third row.
- The floor will then be cut and lowered from just behind the second row all the way to the back of the car.
- The new (lowered) floor will be put in.
- The manual rear-entry ramp will be installed.
- Four retractable tie-downs will be installed to secure the wheelchair in place when it's in the car.
- An inverter will be installed to power Ella's machines and equipment for when we drive for longer stretches of time.
A huge undertaking to say the least.
If not for the generosity, the compassion, and the support of so many people we would be in a completely different place right now...in so many ways.
Car Phase 2 will be underway. Stay tuned for the final outcome...
