‘Something that Dylan truly needs’
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched with the aim of providing a wheelchair-accessible van for a boy from Portroe.
Dylan Power is four years old and lives with a rare genetic condition that means he faces both intellectual and physical challenges in his everyday life.
Despite the challenges Dylan faces, he is a happy, loving little boy who brings so much joy to everyone around him. Dylan absolutely loves cuddles, music and most importantly, spending time with his family.
Dylan is unable to walk and is a wheelchair user. He attends regular hospital appointments and is under the care of a number of doctors, physicians and physiotherapists. His family travels frequently to appointments and therapies in both Limerick and Dublin, often on a weekly basis.
Dylan’s grandparents also play a huge role in his life and care for him every second week.
But as Dylan has grown older and bigger, it has become increasingly difficult to safely lift him, his wheelchair and all of his necessary equipment in and out of a regular car.
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TASK
Dylan has many specialist needs and requires essential equipment to support him in his everyday life, including his wheelchair, a Leckey chair, a standing frame, a specialist chair and a special buggy. Transporting Dylan and all of the equipment he needs has become an extremely difficult task in a regular car.
“Up until now, we have done everything we possibly can to manage, but as Dylan continues to grow, it is becoming harder and harder to safely get him in and out of the car,” said his granny, Anna Elderfield.
“We have reached the point where an accessible van is no longer just something that would make life easier—it is something that Dylan truly needs.
“Having a wheelchair-accessible van would make such an incredible difference to Dylan’s life and to our family. It would allow us to transport Dylan safely and comfortably to his hospital appointments, therapies, family visits and outings, while also allowing us to bring the specialist equipment that he relies on every day.
“We are asking for help to raise funds towards an accessible van for Dylan. We understand that times are difficult for everyone, and we are incredibly grateful for any support, no matter how small. Every donation will bring us one step closer to giving Dylan safe, suitable and accessible transport.
“If you are unable to donate, we would be so grateful if you could share Dylan’s story. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read about our beautiful boy and for any kindness, support or donation you can give.
“Every donation, every share and every bit of support means more to us than words can ever say.”
A fundraising target of €22,000 has been set. You can help by visiting the gofundme.com page ‘Help Us Get Dylan the Accessible Transport that he needs’.