Police Officer, U.S. Army Veteran Gets Wheelchair Van for Son

CUSTOMER STORY

Police Officer and U.S. Army Veteran Gets Wheelchair Van for Son

“Do it. No ifs, ands or buts. It will make your life 100% easier.”

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 connected with Chive Charities and received a grant to purchase a BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica.

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Amy Parker-Stayton, from Missouri

Having an accessible vehicle is more convenient, especially with Christian’s disabilities.

Amy Parker-Stayton, from Missouri

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.

Amy Parker-Stayton, from Missouri

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.

While meeting with 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 full term. 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 raised her concerns with the twins' pediatrician during their 6-month checkup.

"Christian actually arched his body and flexed his muscles," Parker-Stayton said.

After observing Christian, the pediatrician suggested he be tested for neurological, spinal and muscular disabilities. Soon afterward, Christian was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neuromuscular condition often associated with premature birth that causes 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.

If I added it up, the van probably takes one to two hours off my daily transportation.

- Amy Parker-Stayton

Converting a Vehicle to Be Accessible

Parker-Stayton knew traveling with two children and Christian's medical equipment would pose a challenge unless she had a wheelchair accessible vehicle. That's when she considered grants and funding options and came across Chive Charities, a nonprofit organization. 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 minivan, and while the vehicle did not initially have a wheelchair ramp, she had it converted to be wheelchair accessible.

Today, she drives the vehicle frequently, taking her children to and from school, the grocery store and Christian's doctor appointments.

The BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica

Parker-Stayton chose a wheelchair accessible van 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 we go grocery shopping, we still have access to the back seat and the trunk space," she said.

The three often take the van to visit amusement parks. 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 to the Wisconsin Dells, Chicago and Indiana.

Accessible Vehicles for Families and Caregivers

While Parker-Stayton said her wheelchair van has made life easier, the vehicle has also benefited 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 in his brother's care.

"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 Wheelchair Van

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.

"Having an accessible vehicle is more convenient, especially with Christian's disabilities," Parker-Stayton said.

Her 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 wheelchair accessible van or mobility product, contact your local mobility dealer.

Parker-Stayton and her family are supported by BraunAbility and their local dealer United Access in St. Louis, Missouri. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.

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