Eric LeGrand's Drive for Independence

CUSTOMER STORY

Eric LeGrand's Drive for Independence

“It's not easy for other people who don't have an accessible van for themselves. I never take stuff like that for granted.”

Eric LeGrand vividly recalls the day his life changed. It was his junior year at Rutgers University, where he played defensive tackle for the football team. Like any other game day, LeGrand got ready by putting on his football uniform, including his pads, helmet and No. 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. According to LeGrand, doctors were unsure whether he would survive his injury, let alone breathe, eat solid food or walk on his own again. "The doctors didn't think I would be able to make much out of my life," he said.

LeGrand credits his ability to maintain a positive attitude while living with his disability to faith and hard work. Today, he 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.

title

Eric LeGrand, from New Jersey

It gives the person who needs the vehicle so much more independence and the ability to go out and live your life.

Eric LeGrand, from New Jersey

Getting my van was huge because I don't have to call for transportation everywhere. I'm not confined to my house.

Eric LeGrand, from New Jersey

Customizing His Ideal Wheelchair Van

LeGrand's first wheelchair accessible van was a Chrysler Town & Country. While he enjoyed his first vehicle, he eventually was ready for a new van.

LeGrand chose the Pacifica Sport edition because he likes the vehicle's black rims. He also selected the black exterior because he prefers a sleek, monochrome look.

"Everything was already done. I was like, 'That's my vehicle. That's the one I want,'" he said.

Though he's only had the new van for a short time, he has used it consistently to run errands, spend time with friends and family and travel for work.

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.

- Eric LeGrand

Pushing a Wheelchair Van to the Limit

Within the first few weeks of getting his wheelchair accessible van, LeGrand and his mother, Karen, were already traveling long distances for his speaking engagements. One trip, though, remains particularly memorable.

After speaking at an event, LeGrand was headed home when his van ran out of gas.

"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 said.

He reluctantly continued and said the van inevitably ran out of gas.

"It died on the side of the road. Not gonna lie, I would not recommend that," LeGrand said.

Gratitude for a Wheelchair Van

LeGrand relies on his wheelchair accessible vehicle for work, leisure and weekly errands.

"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," he said.

LeGrand's vehicle allows him to be independent, and he encourages others with disabilities to explore the freedom a wheelchair accessible vehicle can provide.

"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 and the ability to go out and live your life," he said.

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.

Find Your Dealer

Read Other Customer Stories

Ben Trockman, from Indiana

Public transportation is not really an option where I live, so having the van is very empowering.

Ben Trockman, from Indiana Read More

José Flores, from New York

Because of BraunAbility, disabled people are able to get in our vehicles, get out there and live the best life we possibly can.

José Flores, from New York Read More

Dale Helton, from Missouri

It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a lifeline.

Dale Helton, from Missouri Read More