For families navigating life with ALS, everyday tasks can be challenging, let alone planning a vacation. For Kim and Steve Brown, what once seemed simple, like taking a cruise, had become a logistical nightmare after years of unreliable vehicles and mounting obstacles.

“My husband spent much of his first seven years of diagnosis going nowhere,” Kim shared. “We would vacation at least twice a year prior to his diagnosis, but that came to an abrupt stop. It was difficult to go places and move his equipment.”

This year, the Browns were determined to take a cruise from Bayonne, New Jersey. But just a week before departure, they discovered the van they planned to use was no longer safe. With the clock ticking, Kim faced a difficult choice: hire a medical transport, which could make her husband uncomfortable, or find a new van.

That’s when the Browns turned to MobilityWorks in Cinnaminson, where they met General Manager Ken Witman.

“Ken said, ‘What do you need right now?'” Kim recalled. “I told him we needed to get my husband to the pier. He then told me that he would have someone pick us up, take us to the pier, and pick us up when we returned.”

Thanks to this act of compassion, the Browns were able to enjoy their trip without worry. The kindness extended even further: the driver, Woody, returned a personal item they had left in the van, going above and beyond to make sure nothing was forgotten.

The Browns’ story didn’t end there. This year, they planned another vacation, and Ken once again provided safe, comfortable transport, even though the Browns had already purchased a van.

“In a world where it’s very easy to complain and turn a blind eye to situations, Ken has continued to help those in need, especially in situations such as ours, to make our lives much better, giving my husband a better quality of life. He truly exemplifies compassion, empathy and true caring for people living a challenged life,” said Kim.

Kim and Steve’s experience is a great reminder that the right support can make all the difference in enjoying life to the fullest.

Planning your next adventure? Explore our wheelchair accessible vans for sale or wheelchair van rentals to find the perfect solution for your mobility needs.