Huntington Teen With Mitochondrial Disease Surprised With Brand New Minivan

A Huntington teen with a rare disease was recently surprised with a brand new minivan, equipped with a wheelchair lift, to help with errands and day-to-day life.

Eli Mollineaux, a high school sophomore, was born with a rare type of Mitochondrial Disease known as Pearson Marrow-Pancreas Syndrome. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for Mitochondrial Disease and there are several different kinds. Eli’s slowly progressive multi-system disease that has affected his brain, heart, muscles, vision and hearing.

Despite his illness, Eli has a reputation in the community for always keeping a positive and sunny outlook on life.

When Mike Brown, a Huntington High School graduate and businessman, got word that the Mollineaux family was having problems with their 13-year-old minivan that kept breaking down, he devised a plan.

Brown, the co-owner Atlantic Auto Group, surprised Eli with a brand new minivan on Wednesday.

"For someone who is always inspiring others around him, it was the least we could do,” Brown said when asked why he decided to gift the Mollineaux family.

The van will be used to help Eli and his family run errands and go on outings they never thought they could experience beforehand.

Images via Office of Legislator Spencer