Turtletown, Tenn.
Meet sweet little Adeline Hughes, a 4-year-old with blue eyes and a sparkling smile, who’s in need of some help in a big way. Her parents, Victoria and Dakota, are reaching out to anyone who would like to help make the child’s life a bit easier.
Adeline suffers with a rare neurological disorder called Rett syndrome, which affects nearly all aspects of her life. She has severe impairments, including the inability to speak or walk. She’s unable to eat by mouth and even has a harder time breathing easily. It’s a hard journey, especially for a child.
Twice a week, the youngster travels to therapy an hour away. She also spends five hours traveling in order to see specialists. As a result, Adeline desperately needs a handicap accessible van.
This type of van is very expensive, and the family is seeking funds to help make transportation easier. They have set up a GoFundMe account in the hopes of raising $40,000, which would help them acquire a used van, as new ones are about double the price.
Victoria said there are little to no local resources to help get a handicap-accessible van for children in need. Along with home modifications and equipment, the vans are not covered by insurance are difficult to get due to the high costs. Donations will ease some of the stress caused by the family’s financial burden.
“When we first decided to try and raise money toward a handicap-accessible van a few weeks ago, I was hesitant on how much or if any we would be able to raise. In just a short time, the tri-state area has already donated so much. As of Sept. 17, we have raised $18,000 toward our $40,000 goal,” Victoria said.
“We feel so blessed.”
Adeline loves people and enjoys playing with her brother, sister and cousins. She also really enjoys music. Often when you see her, you’ll hear music.
“When Ms. Addie’s health began to decline, her mom set aside her job as a dental assistant to give Addie the care only a mother can give. Victoria also homeschools her other two children and cares for our elderly grandmother. We are trusting God to meet Addie and her family’s needs, and are humbled by our community’s love, prayers and donations,” aunt Stacy Taylor wrote.
“Thank you. God is good.”
Life can be hard for this family, but a van for their little girl would make it a bit easier.
“We live in an outstanding community who opens their hearts and tries every way in the world to help people,“ great-grandfather Teddy Stiles said.
Details: Visit gofund.me/0b4997e4.