The mother of two children with spinal muscular atrophy is hoping a fundraising campaign can help her to replace the family's aging vehicle so they can continue to lead an active lifestyle..
Ishan and Shanaya Manerikar were born with the degenerative disease that has slowly taken away their ability to walk.
The teens are both in motorized wheelchairs and try to have an active lifestyle so they require a modified van to take them from place to place.
The family van has a lot of miles on it and is not always dependable as it often breaks down.
There are only two vans on the market that have a body wide enough to fit both wheelchairs and the cost to retrofit a new vehicle is about $80,000.
Karen Manerikar works several part-time jobs and struggles to cover everyday expenses and medical costs.
“I'm a single mom and I can hardly make ends meet on my own,” said Karen.
The van allows Ishan and Shanaya to enjoy activities and social outings and is also used to take them to their medical appointments.
"A new van would allow me to go places right? So like power hockey and stuff. This van is not going to last much longer so,” said Ishan.
"I think it'll all work out in the end and they're will be hardships but we'll power through them’” said Shanaya.
The family is overwhelmed financially and is now turning to the public to help raise funds for a new vehicle.
A gofundme page has been set up to help the family out, click HERE for more information or to make a donation.
(With files from Kathy Le)
