Local

Mom tries to win custom van for special needs daughter

BUTLER, Pa. — A Butler County mother is getting involved in a social media campaign hoping to win a customized wheelchair-accessible van for her special needs daughter.

Beverly Carr's 17-year-old daughter, Amber, was born with a rare neurological disorder called lissencephaly. Over time, she has lost most of her abilities, and she suffers from debilitating seizures.

"She can't walk without assistance, and getting her in and out of the car is difficult," Carr said. "She is 3 inches taller than me and weighs about 100 pounds. Having a handicapped child is hard. I have to lift her. I have to do everything for her, and it’s tiring.”

Carr said she wants to win the special van to make her daughter’s life easier.

“This is not for me, or to make my life easier. This is more for her to be able to get out safely more often,” Carr said. “I have dedicated my life to taking care of my daughter at home, and we will soon be entering the adult years.”

Carr told Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz that winning the Life Moving Forward contest through National Mobility Awareness Month would be very special to her daughter.

“Please send Amber some love and vote for her,” Carr said. “I want Amber to win, but I know whoever wins deserves it. Anyone handicapped can really use this.”

To visit the website to vote, click here.