Parker-Stayton and her family are supported by BraunAbility and their local dealer United Access in Berkeley, Missouri. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.
A police officer and U.S. Army veteran, Amy Parker-Stayton is used to helping others. But when she needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle for her son, Christian, she knew it was time to call on others for help. That’s when she came across Chive Charities and the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica.
title
A Life Dedicated to Serving Others
Serving the nation and her local community for more than a decade, Parker-Stayton lived a busy lifestyle, but she always wanted a family. Little did she know she would be among the one in five women in the United States who struggle with infertility. In fact, doctors told her she had about a 20% chance of becoming pregnant on her own without in vitro fertilization, or IVF, or other medical intervention.
In January 2012, when she visited her doctor to discuss fertility treatments, she was unknowingly pregnant with twins — Christian and Christopher.
Having Twins and a Disability Diagnosis
Parker-Stayton’s twins were born at 36 weeks, just a few weeks shy of a full-term pregnancy. It wasn’t until a few weeks after Christian and Christopher came home from the hospital that she noticed developmental differences between her sons.
Knowing all children develop at different rates, she didn’t think much of it, but she brought her concerns to the twins’ pediatrician during their 6-month checkup.
“Christian actually arched his body and flexed his muscles,” Parker-Stayton said.
After watching Christian, the pediatrician suggested he be tested for neurological, spinal and muscular disabilities. Soon, Christian was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neuromuscular condition — often a result of prematurity — that results in muscle spasticity.
Christian’s diagnosis affects his ability to walk, talk and eat. Today, he uses a wheelchair full time, a feeding tube and an eye-gaze communication device.
Converting a Vehicle to Be Wheelchair Accessible
Parker-Stayton knew traveling with two children and her son’s medical equipment would pose a challenge unless she had a wheelchair accessible vehicle. That’s when she investigated grants and funding options and came across nonprofit organization Chive Charities.
Within six months, she received funding for an accessible vehicle.
At the time, to qualify for assistance, Parker-Stayton needed to purchase a new vehicle rather than a used one. She chose a Chrysler Pacifica, and while the vehicle did not initially have a wheelchair ramp, she converted it to be wheelchair accessible.
Today, she drives her Pacifica, fitted with a BraunAbility wheelchair ramp, frequently taking her children to and from school, the grocery store and Christian’s doctor appointments.
The BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica
Parker-Stayton chose the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica because of its spacious interior.
“I still have my trunk space because Christian’s twin brother plays basketball and baseball. Plus, I have to carry a medical bag and supplies for Christian. When grocery shopping, we still have access to the back seat and the trunk space.”
Parker-Stayton also enjoys the vehicle’s charging ports and TV screens, which keep her twins entertained on long road trips.
The three often visit amusement parks.
“He is an action junkie. He loves roller coasters.” Parker-Stayton said of Christian.
The St. Louis natives enjoy visiting Six Flags, as well as Disney and Morgan’s Wonderland, an accessible theme park for people with disabilities.
They have also taken several vacations, visiting the Wisconsin Dells, Chicago and Indiana.
Accessible Vehicles for Families and Caregivers
While Parker-Stayton said her BraunAbility van has made life easier, the vehicle has also affected other family members and caregivers who help care for Christian.
“His nurses feel better knowing they have transportation in case of an emergency or if they have to take him somewhere without trying to lift him,” Parker-Stayton said.
The van also gives Christopher an opportunity to be more involved with his brother.
“Of course, Christopher couldn’t lift Christian and put him in a car seat, but he could push his wheelchair. Now, he just pushes Christian up into the van for me. He does all the locks for me. I’ll make sure Christian is good to go and close the door. Really, I don’t have to worry about anything,” Parker-Stayton said.
The Impact of a BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica
“Having an accessible vehicle is more convenient, especially with Christian’s added disabilities and medical procedures,” Parker-Stayton said.
In fact, the accessible vehicle has cut down on travel time for the family.
Parker-Stayton described life before getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle, saying, “It probably took a couple of hours when I had to do something with Christian. I would have something planned all day long. If I added it up, the van probably takes one to two hours off my daily transportation.”
That time savings allows her to focus on family, friends, work and activities she enjoys.
Parker-Stayton’s advice for those looking to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle is simple.
“Do it. No ifs, ands or buts. It will make your life 100% easier,” she said.
If you’re looking to purchase a Chrysler Pacifica or another BraunAbility vehicle or mobility product, contact your local mobility dealer.
Read Other Customer Stories
