South Florida

‘I Have My Wings!' Teen With Cerebral Palsy Gifted With Van

Raul Hernandez, a Miami Dade teenager with cerebral palsy, is now free to explore the world more comfortably with a specially designed van that was gifted to him by a South Florida nonprofit named Project Give Kids.

"This is my van!" Hernandez can be heard exclaiming as he enters the van for the first time. "Now I have my wings, thank you!"

Before, for visits to the doctor or any other outing, Hernandez's parents had to carefully carry him from his wheelchair into the family's car, which often resulted in bumps and bruises.

This made Hernandez feel trapped in his home.

Project Give Kids found out about the young teenager's situation in 2017, and fundraised for the van online.

It comes with a ramp that allows Hernandez to board with his wheelchair, and plenty of space in the back.

"I talked to them about my hopes and dreams, and they brought me the van in December," Hernandez told NBC6. "I was granted with a Christmas wish and now I'm able to go to the doctor, comfortably, or go to social greetings."

Since getting the van, Hernandez has travelled to Disney World, where he got to meet the princesses. He also uses it to go to school.

When the Florida Panthers heard his story, they named Project Give Kids a community champion, and awarded the organization $25,000.

Project Give Kids stressed to NBC6 that its work is made possible only by the generosity of donors. To help, just go to their website.

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