North Vernon, IN 47265
1-800-406-4513
Garlitch on Facebook
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2013
Recently, I was introduced to the Darlage family of North Vernon, Indiana after they had entered a contest sponsored by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for a wheelchair accessible van for their 16-year-old son Hunter. From March through May his family and friends,affectionately dubbed "Hunter's Heroes", successfully harnessed social media and ensured that Hunter received enough votes to land in the top 5% of entrants. Despite the Heroes’ best efforts, and obtaining semi-final status, Hunter was not chosen as a finalist and did not win one of three vans that he and his family so desperately need.
In addition to Cerebral Palsy and a myriad of other medical issues, Hunter has suffered severe complications from recent orthopedic reconstructive surgery of both femoral sockets of the pelvic girdle. This involved deepening both sockets and sculpting both femoral balls to seat them deeper into the sockets. Sadly, a follow up exam has revealed that Hunter has developed post-operative Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head. Translation - insufficient blood supply to the reconstructed area causing his bones to die. As a result, Hunter is looking at a possible double hip replacement at the age of 16. To cap the day, shortly after receiving that horrible news; Hunter suffered a fifteen-minute seizure during which he stopped breathing.
The Darlages travel 500-750 miles weekly to meet Hunter's medical needs, costing a small fortune in gas alone. There simply aren't the funds to purchase the tools that would make the family’s lives a little easier, especially now that Hunter is facing another extensive surgery in the next month and likely will endure many more in the future. Having to lift Hunter from his specially fitted wheelchair to transfer him in and out of vehicles is excruciatingly painful for him and causes him excessive anxiety. This ultimately complicates the transference of his 5' 5", 125-pound (and growing) body safely. When asked what effect a wheelchair accessible van would have, Hunter’s mother, Monica, said, "It would be a dream come true for Hunter to be able to ride comfortably and securely in his wheelchair and not endure the extra pain and discomfort" caused by a standard vehicle seat.
The Darlages are an extraordinary family, caring for not one, but two special needs children (their oldest son is autistic). Financially they are unable to afford most of the expensive equipment that would make Hunter more comfortable and simplify the tasks of caring for him. Medicaid doesn't cover equipment like an at-home therapy table to assist in taking care of Hunter's personal hygiene, portable wheelchair ramps which would allow Hunter to be more easily mobile at home or a wheelchair accessible van to transport him more safely and comfortably.
Garlitch Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to join the ranks of Hunter’s Heroes. We are committed to not only assisting in securing a safe and comfortable wheelchair accessible vehicle for Hunter, but we are steadfast in our desire to raise the funds to purchase it as well. In the coming weeks and months, the family at Garlitch Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram invites you to join us for a host of fundraising activities we will be holding for Hunter. Please contact me, David Griggs, Internet Director either by calling 812-346-6800 or by email at dgriggs@garlitch.com for more information on how you can help Garlitch Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram realize this dream for Hunter and his Heroes or for media relations. You can also contact Abbey Sturgeon for fundraising related matters via email at abbey.sturgeon@yahoo.com
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