Newlywed Paralyzed in Accident Gets an Amazing Wedding Gift From Toyota
We love a happy ending – that’s why we had to tell you about the story of Rachelle Friedman, a 23-year-old who was paralyzed as a result of a tragic accident during her bachelorette party in May 2010.
After the accident, she and her fiancé Chris Chapman were busy planning their wedding with the help of a BraunAbility Sienna Rampvan that was loaned to them by the company and local mobility dealer Van Products Inc. Little did the couple know that BruanAbility and Toyota USA had a wedding gift planned for them that wasn’t on their registry – a brand new 2011 Toyota Sienna with a BraunAbility Rampvan XT conversion.
“Rachelle’s resolve and strength are truly inspirational,” said Nick Gutwein, President of Braun. “We were so moved by her story that we wanted to help her not only while she planned for her wedding, but also as she moves forward in her married life.”
Now that the wedding is over, this new BraunAbility Rampvan XT conversion allows Rachelle to get to quad-rugby practices and tournaments, as well as therapy appointments. Before she had use of this van, her mother had been carrying her in and out of her SUV.
“The van’s made all the difference in the world,” said Rachelle. “Not only has it saved my mom’s back, it’s just made it so much easier to get out and do things. I’ve missed this level of comfort, convenience and independence. Next up…learning to drive on my own!”
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Amazing! I love stories like this. Curious how the accident happened.