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Sarah Dallof reportingTwo years ago, Jared Nelson was involved in a horrible van rollover that killed eight Utah State students and their professor.
He survived but suffered serious injures that left him confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak. Today, he was fitted for a specialized wheelchair that will make his life and his wife's much easier.
We first aired their story in December; and right after, people began calling, generously offering to donate wheelchairs.
But two companies made the perfect offer: a custom-built chair for Jared.
Jared Nelson is a big guy, more than 6 feet tall and 220 pounds. He depends on his much smaller wife, Amy, for everything. She says, "Pushing him around in the snow has been a challenge for us ‘cause we haven't experienced snow yet."
Their story caught the attention of many, including David Killen, a regional manager with Invacare. He called company headquarters. He says, "Right away they said yes! We'll definitely get involved in this."
And today, Killen and representatives from medical supplier Praxair are fitting Jared for a custom-built wheelchair.
Killen explained to Jared and Amy that the chair will tilt and recline, so Jared can be positioned correctly. The angles will make it easier for Jared to eat and swallow. His left leg is fused at an unusual angle, so the chair will be built to support it.
Because Jared isn't able to operate his own chair, they're going to put some special controls for Amy. She'll no longer have to push and pull the chair by herself. Amy says, "It'll save my body wearing down, because I won't be pushing and lifting and doing those things."
The new chair will be painted green and yellow, the John Deere colors. Amy says she picked those colors because "that's his favorite tractor and in memory of those he was in class with; kinda keep them with us every day."
And with continued physical therapy, Jared may eventually be able to drive the chair himself. It's another goal for this couple who continues to handle challenges with grace and gratitude. "We're just so grateful. People are wonderful," Amy says.
The wheelchair should be ready in three weeks. It's valued at $20,000.
It's important to mention that a lot of people and companies like Sports Academy also have made donations that will go toward the chair, as well as other medical bills.
