Mélanie Bouchard, a devoted mother from the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, faces an uphill battle in securing an adapted vehicle for her son, William, who lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The family requires frequent trips to specialists in Chicoutimi, Quebec City, and Montreal. However, the financial burden of acquiring a vehicle that accommodates William’s wheelchair has proved to be significant.
Bouchard's commitment to providing her son with enriching experiences drives her to take him everywhere. "He's been through many, many things. I try to take him everywhere with me," she explained. This determination highlights the need for a vehicle that can meet their specific requirements while facilitating travel across the province.
To help alleviate this financial strain, a fundraising campaign has been organized by the Chicoutimi Lions Club in collaboration with Relais La Chapelle restaurant and Camping Au Soleil Levant campground. The campaign aims to raise funds for an adapted vehicle while also supporting the Caribou-Conscrits snowmobile club. Tickets for the fundraiser are currently available for purchase at both locations, with a draw scheduled for March 29. As an incentive, two snowmobiles will be awarded as prizes.
Disability rights activist Steven Laperrière underscores the challenges families face when seeking funding for individual needs. He notes that organizations rarely fund personal initiatives, making grassroots efforts like this campaign vital. "You have the cost of the van, you have to add $20,000 to $25,000 for the adaptation of the van… the moment you use a wheelchair as a means of mobility, you have no choice but to have that," he stated.
Laperrière further emphasized the difficulties in navigating life without an adapted vehicle, especially in regions where public transit options are limited. "If you don't have your adapted vehicle for your son or for yourself, it makes it very difficult to move around, especially if you're in a region where adapted transit is not that great," he remarked.
Bouchard carries the weight of emotional challenges as well. She reflects on her sister's untimely death at the age of 24 from a brain tumor and channels that experience into creating meaningful moments with William. "I try not to think about that," she said, wiping away a tear. "I try to look on the bright side and tell myself that I've given him the best I can."
Mylène Aubry, co-owner of Relais La Chapelle restaurant and Camping Au Soleil Levant campground, shared her admiration for Bouchard's dedication. "I bonded with her … I really thought she was a good person. She was really human. She really looked after William," Aubry expressed.
As the fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum, the community stands united in support of Bouchard and her son. The initiative not only aims to provide them with a necessary means of transportation but also fosters a sense of solidarity among residents.
