Fundraiser Launched To Buy Wheelchair Van For Yorkville Boy

YORKVILLE, IL — The family of a little boy with a rare condition has a wheelchair van that is currently unsafe and in disrepair, his family said in a GoFundMe post. The fundraiser was launched to buy the boy a new van so he can be driven to medical appointments and other trips, his uncle said in the post. The 6-year-old boy has Arthrogryposis, a rare disease that decreases joint flexibility.

Miguel Tlahuetl, a student at Autumn Creek Elementary School, can't walk and needs a wheelchair to get around. The boy has difficulty performing daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating, his uncle explained on the GoFundMe page.

"Despite his numerous challenges he maintains an extremely positive outlook," The post read. "Miguel lives with his mother Joy, his older sister Olivia, and his older brother Javier, who has autism. Joy works full time as a single mother and receives little financial support from Miguel's father."

The fundraising goal is to provide Miguel with a newer, safer van, which would start at around $15,000 — with a higher-quality vehicle ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

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Image via GoFundMe.