Okanagan man donates specialized van to family in need

A Life-Changing Gift for a Shuswap Family

A Shuswap family has been given a heartfelt gift that will make their life significantly easier after enduring a challenging year. Connie Phillips, a grateful mother, described the gift as “life-changing” for her family. On Thursday, Phillips was presented with the keys to a 2002 wheelchair-accessible Chrysler Town and Country van, which will greatly assist in transporting her daughter, Helena. This van is not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of hope and relief for a family that has faced immense difficulties over the past year.

In the fall of 2023, Helena, then 17 years old, suddenly fell ill. Her condition progressively worsened over several months, leading to the loss of her mobility. She was later diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder, a condition that Phillips likened to multiple sclerosis (MS). “Her brain is not sending the signals to her legs to walk,” Phillips explained to Global News. This diagnosis turned their world upside down, as Helena’s newfound dependence on a wheelchair introduced a host of challenges, particularly when it came to transportation.

Transporting Helena had become a daunting task for Phillips. The process involved lifting her daughter, carrying her to their regular vehicle, and then disassembling her wheelchair. “You’d have to take her wheelchair out, rebuild it, load her in, get her to the appointment,” Phillips described. “Then when you get out, load her in, take the wheelchair apart, and then load her back into the vehicle.” This exhausting routine highlighted the urgent need for a more accessible and efficient solution.

The specialized van was generously donated by Vernon resident Jeff McSweeney, whose kind gesture has brought immense relief to the Phillips family. McSweeney, who owns NOW Shuttle, a wheelchair-accessible transportation service, decided to donate the van after realizing it could no longer be certified for commercial use due to its age. Instead of selling it, he chose to give it away, hoping it would make a difference in someone’s life.

When McSweeney put out a call for submissions through the media, he received about 20 applications. However, it was Phillips’ story that deeply moved him. “Just because we all have children, and our kids are healthy,” McSweeney said emotionally. “When you see somebody who goes through something, it’s just nice to be able to reach out and help them.” McSweeney’s business has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with mobility issues. He shared stories of clients whose lives were forever changed in an instant—like a friend who became wheelchair-bound after a horse fell on her and another client who became a quadriplegic after a fall from a ladder. These experiences likely influenced his decision to help the Phillips family.

For Connie Phillips, the donation is nothing short of incredible. “This is huge,” she said. “I mean, we have so many more appointments coming up, and now I have a way of getting her there safely.” The van not only simplifies transportation but also restores a sense of independence and dignity for Helena. McSweeney’s selfless act reminds us of the power of kindness and the impact one person can have on another’s life.

This heartwarming story is a testament to the generosity of strangers and the resilience of families facing adversity. The Phillips family’s journey is far from over, but with this gift, they can now navigate their challenges with greater ease and hope for the future.