The FOX31 Denver Problem Solvers have an update to the story of a family of seven, with two members in wheelchairs, who desperately needed a wheelchair accessible van with a lift.
A local, family-owned company in Loveland stepped in to help.
The Problem Solvers first introduced you to 7-year-old Troy Herrera a few weeks ago, after his para professional at a local school reached out to us for help.
Troy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and relies on his older brother Julian to get in and out of the family van.
“Take him out of his chair, put him in the van, get the chair, put it in the van,” Julian Herrera described. “As a big brother it`s my job to take care of him and watch over him.”
Grandma and grandpa provide for the children. But grandma is also in a wheelchair and grandpa uses a cane. They said it’s challenging to transport Troy to doctor’s appointments or family events.
That’s where Tab Black, his father Tom and their family come in. They own and operate “Mobility & More” in Loveland.
“I said ‘hey dad did you see that thing about the van and the family down in Aurora that needed some help?’” Tab Black said.
“Everything just seemed to fall in place,” his father, Tom, added, noting they had a working van that they were not currently using.
Tab Black has been in a wheelchair for 31 years, after a car crash caused a spinal cord injury. He said he understands Troy’s family’s struggle more than most.
“Making a difference in someone`s life every day is something we do every day,” he said. “You just can`t imagine how good it is. It`s what we do.”
The company donated a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country to Troy and his family. It has a lift that functions by the push of a button.
“We didn`t think anybody would do anything like this,” Troy’s grandfather, Jerry, said. “Very thankful. We didn`t know what we were going to.”
Troy couldn’t be at the offices in Loveland for the signing of the paperwork. But through his communication device at home, his grandfather said Troy shows his excitement.
“[He says] van on his talker,” Jerry said. “Troy says it`s his.”
Tom Black handed Jerry the keys Friday.
“It’s going to need some repair, but it does have a new tank of gas and a new steering pump,” he said.
The van is in good condition, but the lift needs repairs.
The family plans on putting the $2,700 raised on a Gofundme page towards the repairs. And the Black family said another company in Highlands Ranch is offering to help.