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Fundraisers being held to help man with cerebral palsy get wheelchair-accessible van

A decorative newsprint graphic.

Gerald David Avant

39-year-old Gerald Avant is pictured outside in front of a building with a wheelchair ramp. Seated in his black wheelchair, Gerald has light skin, short dark hair, a slight goatee, and black rimmed glasses.

39-year-old Gerald Avant is living with cerebral palsy. He uses a wheelchair and receives support from caregivers Tammy and Kerry, who help him access medical appointments, church, family visits, and his community.

Tammy, who has known Gerald since childhood, promised his father she would see he was well taken care of. When she saw that Gerald’s caregiving experiences living in a facility were not providing him with adequate support, she made the decision to move Gerald into her home.

Gerald is deeply grateful for the support he gets from his caregivers, but he acknowledges that his current accessible van doesn’t allow for safe and supportive access, even with their assistance:

“It is difficult for them to take me places in the current vehicle they own. Even though there is a seat lift in the vehicle, I need a vehicle modified for my wheelchair.”

That’s why Gerald began fundraising with Help Hope Live.

“Tammy and Kerry sacrifice their time and put my needs above their own. I am grateful for them being in my life.”

Written by Emily Progin