GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In a heartwarming moment, the Schafer family became the fourth recipient of a life-changing van giveaway from Lori’s Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders.
For the Schafer family, this gift represents more than just mobility—it marks a new chapter filled with new possibilities.
“We’ve been praying and hoping for something like this,” said Tara Schafer, Adam's mother. "I can just tell his confidence level is going to just grow every day from this."
Lori's Voice was founded 12 years ago by Lori Hastings, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a teenager.
The nonprofit has been a beacon of support for families like the Schafers. Lori’s mission, rooted in her own experience of battling a debilitating condition, is to serve children facing similar challenges by providing critical resources like accessible vans, wheelchair ramps, and medical equipment not covered by insurance.
"Over the last 12 years, we've gifted over $3 million in accessible vans, wheelchair ramps, chair lifts, bathroom remodels, and more," shared an emotional Rebecca Visser, the Executive Director of Lori’s Voice. "It has changed lives for over 500 children. Our goal is to provide the things that families often have to fight for and make their lives easier.”
For 11-year-old Adam Schafer, who suffers from a neurological condition that has left him wheelchair-bound, the new van is a gift like no other. When asked about the impact, Adam shared, “It’s the best Christmas gift in my life I ever had.”
For Visser, this mission is deeply personal. As a mother herself, she relates to the challenges families face when caring for a child with special needs. “It touches my heart because I’m walking in the same shoes as these families,” said Visser. “I know the struggle, the weight that mothers carry. When I see a mother carrying her 11-year-old son, I understand the limitations that come with having a wheelchair and how difficult it can be to travel. This van will change that for the Schafers, just like it has for so many others.”
The Schafer family has been tightly knit, supporting each other through Adam's medical journey. Tara admits that while the new mobility the van offers is a bit daunting, she’s ready to embrace it for Adam’s growth.
“This is going to be learning for both of us,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “It makes us feel really happy for him and for us. We’ve all been together so tightly for so long, and now it’s time to let him experience life outside our bubble. It’s hard for me, but I’m proud and happy for him, and I know he’s ready.”
The impact of Lori’s Voice continues to resonate, bringing much-needed hope and relief to families who face daily struggles that most can’t imagine. For the Schafer family, this gift is just the beginning of a brighter, more independent future for Adam.