Matthews Fully Equipped Van

Hello all, 
  
My name is Matthew and this is it my attempt at raising the funds to purchase a fully modified vehicle so that I can drive myself to and from work and maybe explore a few other areas which I have never been. 
  
I have been working at an extraordinary company named T-Mobile for the past 13 years now. Through the years my career at T-Mobile has provided me with many opportunities for not only advancement within the company but also the ability to purchase my own home (obligated to a 30 year mortgage :-)) and purchasing a van that I was able to be transported to and from work without having to lifted in and out of a truck. 
  
I have been in an electric wheelchair since the age of 11. Prior to that I was able to crawl around on my hands and knees and only use the wheelchair part-time. I was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder when I was about three years old and since then it has taken a toll on my abilities to perform tasks which most people take for granted. But these challenges has made me a stronger person as you have to improvise and come up with creative ways of doing simple tasks. 
  
Ever since I was a kid much like any child I have fantasized about being behind the wheel of a vehicle and having the ability to go where I wanted when I wanted. Some of my favorite vehicles have always been the 70s models with full steel bodies and V-8 engines. Got to love the power and speed they offer :-). During high school I took driver's ed and the school did their best at modifying a vehicle with basic hand controls for me. Unfortunately due to the level of atrophy with my muscles I was not able to really turn the steering wheel effectively to pass. The driver's ed teacher did allow me to drive a few times and he assisted me with turning the steering wheel when it needed. These are still very exciting memories for me as these were the only times I was ever behind the wheel of a vehicle and in control of where I was going. 
  
My next objective in life is to obtain a fully modified vehicle that I can not only get in and out of but I will also be able to drive. These vehicles however cost about the same as a starter home. The maximum loan you can get on these vehicles is only about 10 years. This makes it impossible for me to afford this kind of vehicle on my own with the monthly mortgage payment I currently have and the money I spend on home health care which is not provided through insurance. The basic van with modifications for me to get in and out of range from $45-$65,000. Then the high tech driving aids are another $55-$65,000. Then of course then there is the installation costs. Those are mind boggling figures for the pure pleasure of just driving. 
  
This specialty equipment much like anything medical comes at extremely high costs. That is why I look forward and am very grateful for any assistance you can offer and appreciate passing this link around. 
  
You can take a look at the driving modifications here: http://www.emc-digi.com/.  
 
Thanks all 
Matthew