LeGrand is supported by BraunAbility, and his local mobility dealer, MobilityWorks, in Highland Park, NJ. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.
CUSTOMER STORY
On the Road to Mobility Independence: Eric LeGrand's Unstoppable Drive with His BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica
“I would tell others to purchase a wheelchair van because it just allows you to feel like you're human. You're not held back from certain experiences, and you don’t feel trapped inside.”
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Eric LeGrand vividly recalls the day his life changed: October 16, 2010. It was his junior year at Rutgers University, where he played on the school’s football team as a defensive tackle. Like any other football game, LeGrand got ready, dressing in his football uniform — padding, helmet, and his #52 jersey — a jersey that is now retired by his alma mater. What started as a normal game turned into a life-changing injury. LeGrand fractured his C3-C4 vertebrae and became paralyzed from the neck down.
LeGrand recalled his injury, saying, “The doctors didn’t think I would be able to make much out of my life.” According to LeGrand, doctors were unsure whether he would survive his injury, let alone breathe, eat solid food, or walk on his own again.
LeGrand credits his ability to maintain a positive attitude while living with his disability to faith and hard work. Today, LeGrand is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. He keeps up with his busy lifestyle thanks to his power wheelchair and his BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica.
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Customizing His Ideal Wheelchair Van
LeGrand’s first wheelchair accessible van was a Chrysler Town & Country. While he enjoyed his first vehicle, over time, he was ready for a new van. LeGrand chose the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica, specifically the Sport edition, as he’s fond of the vehicle’s black rims. He chose the black exterior too, as he prefers the sleek, monochrome look. LeGrand said, “I had my first wheelchair vancustomized to be matte black with black rims, so I was looking for something similar to that for my new van.”With the wheelchair accessible Chrysler Pacifica Sport model, LeGrand said, “Everything was already done. I was like, ‘that’s my vehicle. That’s the one I want.’” He’s had the vehicle for three months, and in that time, he’s consistently used his van to run errands, spend time with friends and family, and travel for work.
Eric LeGrand Pushes His Chrysler Pacifica Wheelchair Van to the Limit
Within the first few weeks of getting his accessible van, LeGrand and his mother, Karen, were already traveling long distances for his speaking engagements. One trip, though, remains particularly memorable. LeGrand had spoken at an event and was headed home when his van ran out of gas.
He described the experience, saying, “I got gas when I first bought the van, and I pushed it to its limits. I was on my way back from a golf outing I was speaking at, and I thought, ‘We can make it. Home was only about five hours away.’” He reluctantly continued, stating the van inevitably ran out of gas: “It died on the side of the road. Not gonna lie, I would not recommend that,” he said.
Eric LeGrand Doesn’t Take His Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle for Granted
In his day-to-day life, LeGrand relies on his accessible vehicle for work, leisure and running weekly errands.
He is grateful to have the vehicle, saying, “Getting my van was huge because I don't have to call for transportation everywhere. I'm not confined to my house. It’s not easy for other people who don't have an accessible van for themselves. I never take stuff like that for granted.”
LeGrand encourages those who are looking to purchase an accessible vehicle to consider the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. He said, “I would tell others to purchase a wheelchair van because it just allows you to feel like you're human. You're not held back from certain experiences, and you don’t feel trapped inside. It gives the person who needs the vehicle so much more independence, being able to go out and about to live your life.”
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