Wheels for Nate gaining traction
Community throwing support behind GoFundMe campaign to buy van
For most able-bodied people, there is no second thought when it comes to getting into or out of a vehicle. For Grand Falls-Windsor native Nathan Bishop, it is one of the many battles he fights each day.
Bishop was born with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. His condition limits the usage of his limbs, but Nathan hasn’t allowed it to limit his ability to live life to the fullest.
“Anyone who is lucky to know Nate knows that he loves life and always has the biggest infectious smile, and incredible personality. He enjoys school, his community and the people in it.
“He’s a gentle soul who adores everyone, so caring and always concerned for the wellbeing of others,” said Nathan’s mother, Amy Bishop.
During the summer months, Nathan can be found watching softball. The stadium is where you’ll find him in winter watching his sister play hockey and enjoying stadium fries and gravy.
“I can guarantee he knows which stadiums have the best fries on the island,” said Amy with a laugh.
“Over the years, I have watched Nate connect with others in our community. Some may see the wheelchair, but once you get to know Nate, you see the bright light that shines from within him,” continued Amy.
Susan Rendell, Amy’s friend and Nathan’s godmother, echoed the sentiment.
“He has such a positive outlook on life and enjoys socializing and being surrounded by friends and family. He loves laughing and has a great sense of humor.
“He is sure to put a smile on your face as soon as you see him,” said Rendell.
However, to be involved in the community, Nathan needs a specially equipped wheelchair van.
“The wheelchair van we have now is not roadworthy and inoperable,” said Amy.
“The mechanics said that the transmission was gone. The van we have now is already over 10 years old and had other problems we were dealing with on a case-bycase basis. But, according to the mechanics who assessed it, replacing a transmission in the current vehicle did not make sense,” said Amy.
“He loves being active and meeting people wherever he goes. Being able to purchase an accessible van for Nate would mean the world to him, especially since his school days are soon coming to an end and he will want to be out and about in the community more,” continued Amy.
Bishop needs a modified vehicle equipped with a ramp and special interior modifications.
“Nathan requires specialized care for his cerebral palsy, and his specialists are in St. John's. In addition to that, Nathan loves to be involved in his community.
“When I think about what the van needs, it correlates with what Nathan needs. That is access to a happy, safe life, just like everyone else. He just needs different transportation supports,” said Amy.
To help cover the costs of a new van for Nathan, the family started a Go Fund Me campaign called Wheels for Nate.
The idea for the GoFundMe campaign came from friends and family.
“To be honest, it is difficult to ask for help, but we have no choice. Unless you have a child with special needs, you really can't imagine the cost of giving your child the same opportunities as his friends and classmates,” said Amy.
“Compared to a regular vehicle purchase, a new accessible vehicle can cost well over $95,000,” explained Amy. “Adding to the dilemma, only a handful of these vehicles are available in Canada. The challenge we are facing is finding a reliable replacement that we can afford.”
Putting this together was something new for all involved.
“None of us had ever done anything like this before and we were a little unsure about the process and nervous in going public and sharing to social media platforms, but it has proven to be very successful,” said Rendell.
“To date, we have raised just over $10,000, which is incredible considering it has only been three weeks. We are eternally grateful for the support Nathan is receiving and we are truly touched by it.
“He is well known in the community and is a part of many people’s lives, so at the same time it seems kind of natural that he would be experiencing a ton of support,” continued Rendell.
At the time of this interview, the campaign had raised around $10,500.
“I am humbled by the generosity of the people who have donated to help Nate,” said Amy. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness. Nathan also wanted to say that he is so thankful to each and every donor — and he's excited to be back on the road soon.”
This sentiment was again echoed by Rendell.
“It is incredible to watch the support Nathan is receiving,” Rendell said, “and we truly believe that because of the kindness and generosity of every single person who has donated we will reach our goal of ensuring Nathan has an adequate vehicle to continue enjoying daily life without any stress or worries for him and the entire family.”
Nathan and his family want to express their gratitude for the support from the community, family, friends and many others who may be touched by Nathan’s story.