Tuscola family’s need sparks new program for accessible vehicles

TUSCOLA, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A Tuscola family is the newest recipient of an accessible vehicle for their special needs son, thanks to a local nonprofit, Joy Project Network.

The organization helps special needs families around the world, but when the Thornhill family approached them about their needs for a more accessible vehicle, they decided to help out and start a new initiative to help ease the burden many families face. Now, every year, the nonprofit will choose one family to assist with the Joy Ride Program.

This year, the recipient is Luke Thornhill, and founder Meagan Kirk says the vehicle is more than just four wheels.

“If he gets sick at school, the school bus doesn’t bring him home. There has to be a vehicle that can go to the school to pick him up or to a doctor’s appointment,” Kirk shared. “People who’ve never had to deal with it, it’s a hard concept to grasp.”

The initiative sparked with the Thornhill family. Luke was diagnosed with spina bifida when he was 20 weeks old. It is a birth defect condition that forms in the brain when the neural tube in the spinal cord does not completely close, causing various complications. Because of this, Luke has been wheelchair bound his whole life. His mom, Melissa, says traveling with her now-teenage son can be a hassle without an accessible vehicle.

“It was really getting hard on him. I was getting to the point where I couldn’t really lift him anymore, and I didn’t feel safe. I felt like I might drop him, hurt my back a few times. But this has really been a blessing to our family,” Melissa said.

Although the Thornhill family has a new vehicle, graciously donated by another family, they are still seeking donations for the upkeep and payments. You can click here to learn more.