Hunter Strunk’s got a new set of wheels and they’re making life a lot easier for him and his mother Pam.
‘It’s made an immense difference,? Pam said. ‘The biggest thing is I’m not exhausted and he’s not unhappy.?
On Sept. 15, Addison residents Pam and Hunter, 8, took delivery of a brand new 2005 Chevrolet Venture van complete with an electronic wheelchair lift from the Madison Heights-based Mobility Works.
Back in July/August, Oxford area service groups, families, businesses and private individuals (see box right) united to contribute more $6,200 toward the purchase of Hunter’s new wheelchair lift, which cost a total of $16,200.
‘I could never have done this without all of you,? Pam said. ‘I can’t thank everyone enough . . . There are no words to thank everyone that participated.?
Hunter suffers from lissencephaly, a rare brain disorder which has left him confined to a wheelchair, prone to seizures and totally dependent on Pam for his most basic needs.
Prior to receiving his new van and wheelchair lift, whenever Pam wanted to take Hunter anywhere she would have to lift him and his orthosis (brace) in and out of their old van.
‘You have no idea what it’s like to try to make four or five stops, lifting 70 pounds into and out of the vehicle,? she said. ‘I used to get home after a day of having him out and I was so tired, I couldn’t even function to take care of him.?
‘I didn’t realize how much the lifting was exhausting me,? Pam explained. ‘Now, I don’t have that problem. I’m not tired anymore. I’m not exhausted at the end of the day.?
The new wheelchair lift is more of an electronic ramp that extends from the backseat area of the van to the ground. Once it’s fully extended, the van’s entire rear portion lowers itself so the ramp’s incline isn’t too steep or unsafe.
As a result, Hunter can remain in his wheelchair and be easily rolled in and out of the van with no lifting or discomfort to either Pam or Hunter.
Four tie-downs for the wheelchair and two seatbelts ensure Hunter is secure and safe while driving in the van, which was purchased from Bill Fox Chevrolet in Rochester through a special deal.
‘He’s so happy now,? Pam said.
Before the new lift, Hunter would ‘fuss? because he would get ‘jarred and jerked? while being moved in and out the van, according to Pam.
So much movement meant Hunter wasn’t always in a comfortable position and sometimes in a painful one.
The lift has eliminated the ‘tension and stress between him and I as far as the lifting part,? she said.
‘I’m not worried about hurting him and I’m not worried about hurting myself.?
Pam is very grateful to the community for helping her improve Hunter’s and her own quality of life.
‘It’s been a real blessing for Hunter and I,? she said. ‘This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the community getting together.?
‘I feel like that lift was a gift from everyone in Oxford.?