Living With Spina Bifida

Annie was born with spina bifida and later adopted by the Keierlebers. Tricia, Annie's mother, said spina bifida is a misunderstood diagnosis.

"When we adopted her and people heard spina bifida, they were scared. She has an incredible life. I knew she'd probably need a wheelchair, but that didn't bother me. We chose her because so many had passed on her knowing her diagnosis," she said.

Today, Annie is a happy 13-year-old who enjoys trips to the local mall, arts and crafts, and, of course, visits to Disney World. She relies on her bright pink wheelchair and the family's accessible van to get around.

The BraunAbility Toyota Sienna Hybrid

When Annie was younger, the Keierlebers did not have an accessible van. As Annie grew, however, they knew an accessible vehicle would be life-changing.

"When we first got the van, it was early on, so we were grateful for it, but we didn't see how much we needed it until later. We were grateful to have it as we looked toward the future. Now that she's adult-sized, we would not be able to leave the house. Like her wheelchair gives her freedom, our wheelchair van gives us the freedom to leave the house," Keierleber said.

The wheelchair van is fitted with a side-entry power ramp, allowing Keierleber to get her daughter in and out of the vehicle with ease. The vehicle also has wheelchair securement tie-downs, allowing Annie to ride safely in her wheelchair.