TEAGUE, Texas (KWTX) – A Central Texas family is raising money to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for two siblings born with cerebral palsy.<\/p>\n
Jerry Smith, 19, and Nyla Smith, 18, are 11 months apart and have both used wheelchairs their entire lives. <\/p>\n
Their mother, Johnna Amos, says she experienced a placental abruption during her pregnancies, which caused a lack of oxygen in the womb.<\/p>\n
This led to both Nyla and Jerry developing moderate to severe cerebral palsy. \u201cBoth of them are affected in all limbs,\u201d Amos explained.<\/p>\n
Getting around without an accessible van<\/p>\n
Without a wheelchair accessible van, Amos or her husband must lift Jerry and Nyla out of their wheelchairs and into the car. Amos said the process has become increasingly difficult over time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s getting very difficult because they\u2019re growing and I\u2019m getting older,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n
And because their car can\u2019t accommodate the wheelchairs the siblings are forced to use strollers when they are out, which aren\u2019t as mobile and can be uncomfortable. <\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes I feel bad\u2026 I feel sorry for myself because I would like to go a lot of places and go somewhere that I want and that I like,\u201d Nyla said.<\/p>\n
What a van would mean for the family<\/p>\n
Amos says a wheelchair accessible van would allow their family to travel more freely and comfortably.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives them the freedom to just say \u2018I want to go to the mall today,\u2019 so we just load up and we go to the mall and we get there without having to stop and readjust, without pain,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n
However, according to Amos, a brand new wheelchair accessible van can cost up to $95,000, now asking their community for help.<\/p>\n
Fundraiser details<\/p>\n
This Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. they will be hosting a fundraiser at the Teague Farmer\u2019s Market. Items for sale will include baked goods, three kinds of lemonade, shirts, and raffle tickets for a Japanese head spa treatment.<\/p>\n
Amos says everyone is welcome, sharing how grateful they are for all the support. \u201cThis town\u2026 I\u2019m forever in debt to it,\u201d Jerry added. <\/p>\n