WASHINGTONVILLE — Melissa Wilson feels like she’s 16 again.
“Just to know that I can go where I want to, when I want to,” the 27-year-old said on Wednesday. “It’s freedom.”
Wilson — who was left paralyzed from the waist down after a 2007 accident on Route 642 in Liberty Township, where her vehicle left the road, flipped and crashed — received a wheelchair-accessible van last month that enables her to not rely on family and friends to take her where she needs to go.
The van, which includes easier steering, lowering capability, ramp and hand controls, is a perfect fit, Wilson said. It had to fit specific stipulations according to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, which paid for the modifications.
“It’s absolutely perfect for me,” she said. “I’m very lucky to get it.”
Since receiving the van, Wilson said she’s able to take her three children — Logan, 4, Gabriella, 3, and Sydney, 7 — to school functions, doctor appointments and any other daily errand that needs to be done. She can now attend her childrens’ school functions and activities she couldn’t before.
“I’ve even noticed a big change in my mood,” she said. “It’s kind of like I’m 16 again.”
Last September, Wilson passed training to receive her driver’s license after taking 20 hours of practice in a handicapped-accessible van. At the time of receiving her personal vehicle, an instructor had to clear her to drive on her own.
The first day she received the van, Wilson drove all over and would often find an excuse to get in and drive to the store.
“Now I’m starting to realize gas isn’t as cheap as it was when I was 16,” she joked.
She still owes a great deal of money on the vehicle — about $22,000, not including interest — but area businesses and residents have supported Wilson since the accident, both emotionally and financially.
One such business, Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties in Bloomsburg, sponsored a fundraiser in October that raised $600 for Wilson. Additional donations from area residents and businesses boosted the total to $1,400.
Close friend Mikki Anselmo helped organize the event and said she was thrilled that Wilson is now able to get her life back to a more normal state.
“Melissa has a smile and look I haven’t seen in a while,” the 26-year-old said. “I know I can’t save the world, but I’ll do my best to help as much as I can. I’m not done yet, there’s more in the works.”
Wilson is thrilled and extremely thankful to all the individuals, groups and businesses that have helped her grow and continue since the accident. She is proud at the accomplishments she’s made and grateful to everyone who has impacted her life.
“I could have laid in bed and felt sorry for myself, but I’ve worked to get where I am today,” she said. “I truly thank and appreciate everyone who has supported me. It’s really truly touching to see in today’s economy that people are still willing to help.”
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Paralyzed accident victim gets handicapped-accessible van
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