Hello All,
First off, Happy 2023 from the Birdsinger Family.
Over the years, many of you have asked us how you can help us with Clifford…and truth be told, we aren’t the best at asking for help, much less receiving it. The purpose of this note is to humbly make a request to you, our Friends and Network, for assistance with a down payment for a new (well…pre-owned) Adapted Minivan (with a wheelchair ramp) for Clifford.
Our current 2007 Honda Odyssey has served us well over the last six years as Shane, or Daphne + a nurse, have been manually lifting Clifford’s wheelchair in and out of the van along with all of his equipment. We have known this day would come, especially after numerous chiropractor visits last year, and as Clifford is getting heavier by the day. We have just found out that the Honda is going to need some extensive and costly repairs to stay road-worthy. But more importantly, our backs aren’t getting any younger. Short story long, the time for a new van is here.
After Christmas, we went to Mobility Works in Alexandria to test drive and discuss options for an accessible van and, well, for those of you who have priced out vans with adaptive equipment, it was a bit of a sticker-shock--and honestly, well-beyond our budget. But we are determined to keep getting Clifford out and about on adventures near and far. Since we left the NICU with him in 2015, it’s been our goal to “Free Clifford” so he can experience God’s world, and connect with friends and family, to love and be loved. Any contribution that the spirit may move you to provide is a blessing and greatly appreciated.
thank you.
Sincerely,
Shane, Daphne, Clifford, Thea and Cleven
