Callie HAS a Van

 In early 2008, fundraising began to help a local family acquire dependable, comfortable and safe transportation for 8-year old Callie Watkins, a victim of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 2. In the midst of the fundraising efforts, the family became aware of the availability of a used 2003 Dodge Caravan mini-van with 26,000 miles, totally equipped with a Braun conversion package – exactly what they needed. Callie’s mother, Marcia Watkins, explains, "We didn’t find the van; the van found us!” The van had been unused for more than a year, when the owner decided to advertise it for sale. The information about the availability of the van began to spread – by word of mouth, internet, etc. and through some amazing channels, Callie’s grandmother was made aware of it. The rest is history….the owner was contacted, Callie’s parents made a trip to nearby PA to look at the van and knew right away it was just what they needed for Callie; however, funds were not yet available to make the commitment. The seller of the van graciously agreed to take the van off the market and hold it for them until the necessary funds could be raised. The seller was no stranger to the special needs of people with physical limitations – he had purchased the van for his wife’s needs prior to her being confined to a skilled nursing center – a victim of multiple sclerosis.

Since January, friends, family, neighbors, and total strangers have come together to help transform this dream into reality. The Thurmont Lions Club teamed up with the Thurmont United Church of Christ and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to conduct a Benefit Breakfast at which more than 750 breakfasts were served! The Benefit Breakfast was one segment of the overall fundraising efforts -- donations came in from more than 40 different zip codes! The Emmitsburg Lions Club generously donated the funds they had received in memory of long-time member Lion David Martin, the Knights of Columbus donated funds in memory of a former mayor and several other Lions Clubs have donated to the Fund without even being asked – they have simply heard about the need and responded – as Lions do!! Numerous other individuals and organizations have also donated funds. Some people expressed a concern that the small amount they were able to donate may not make much of a difference, but a very different picture began to form. Every donation mattered…every dollar mattered…. finally adding up to more than $38,000 – to make a HUGE difference to the Watkins’ family. The van has now been purchased, inspected (a few minor repairs were necessary due to the inactivity of the van for a year) and is on the road.

When asked if she was excited with the new van, with her beautiful bright eyes beaming, Callie immediately replied, “I’m even more excited than when I got to go to Disney!” She can enter and exit the van in her power chair via the lowered ramp, no longer concerned with the high elevation entrance or the lack of head room. Once inside, she can sit up straight and see out the windows. Now that the van and surrounding expenses have been paid, plans are to utilize the remaining funds for renovations needed to enable the family to get Callie into/out of the bathroom and for expenses (not covered by insurance) surrounding her upcoming surgery later this year.

Lion Gene Long, who coordinated the community fundraising for the van, has struck a special friendship with Callie. When asked about the project, he simply says, “This has been an incredible journey and I am thankful to have been a part of it!” On behalf of Callie and her family, a very special THANK YOU to EACH person and organization who contributed to this project – you’ve made a special little girl’s smile even wider and her beautiful bright eyes sparkle.