WEYBURN – The “Friends of Isaiah” fundraiser group are making one last push to finish off the campaign to get a new medically-equipped van for Isaiah Evans.
Shannon Seitz and Jan Cibert, the two main caregivers for Isaiah at school and in the community, first formed the fundraiser group in April of 2023 to raise money towards a new van for the family, to safely transport Isaiah to medical appointments or to family or community events.
The campaign has raised $85,000 so far towards the van, and they have made a $5,000 down payment on it.
To complete the van for use by the family, they need a lift installed that can accommodate Isaiah’s motorized wheelchair, plus the taxes on the van and window tint, with the last amount needed set at $23,850.
“We are one step away from making this dream a reality and are hopeful with the support of our corporate community, we will be able to recognize this goal,” said a letter, sent out to the business community in and around Weyburn.
His caregivers note that Isaiah is scheduled to have spinal surgery on March 14, where he will be placed in traction for about three months. He recently received a custom-fitted wheelchair, and having the van available would allow him to leave the hospital and travel between home and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital where he will live during his recovery.
Isaiah was born with multiple dislocations, and severely clubbed feet. He has severe scoliosis and has had many spine and leg surgeries. He has an abnormal airway that requires him to have a trach and to rely on oxygen.
When he needs to be transported in the family van, he has to be laid down on the back seat with a safety buckle.
“Isaiah would love nothing more than to sit in his wheelchair, look out his window and travel like any eight-year-old,” said the letter.
The fundraising committee is proposing to have signage on the van to recognize any corporate sponsor to the van.
