Three patient families donated refurbished vehicles to facilitate their medical travel

Three families of children’s hospital patients received a refurbished vehicle as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides® program on December 15, bringing families to a new level of independence and alleviating many stresses due to lack of reliable transportation to and from their medical appointments.

Through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, the Children’s Hospital has identified three families of patients most in need of vehicles. In partnership with the program, GEICO donated the cars and Gerber Collision center donated the time and equipment to restore the cars to like-new condition. In addition, Enterprise Rent-A-Car paid a gift card for future vehicle service and maintenance costs.

The three patients are all receiving treatment for certain types of cancer and need reliable transportation more than ever.

Speaking to patients and their families, Chuck Owens, director of Gerber Collision, said they hope the vehicles bring joy and make it easier for them to get to appointments.

“You just don’t know how thrilled we are to be a part of this project,” Owens said. “It’s so cool to be part of something to give back after going through COVID in 2020 and now in 2021 we continue to push our way. But today we are here able to give back and make you smile. “

One of the patients, Jonathan Ayon, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020 and is now receiving chemotherapy. Although her reaction to therapy was effective, it affected her ability to walk. He said the car was going to be life changing. “I never thought something like this would ever happen to me,” Ayon said. “I’m just really happy and excited. It was one of the best experiences I could have dreamed of. ”