Paralyzed Keizer Man Inspires Community, Seeks Help to Win a Wheelchair Van

Family and friends are seeking votes to help Chris Frey win a wheelchair van in a national contest.

Family and friends have also created a special Facebook group

(KEIZER, OR) - Chris Frey is 30 years old, the father of two beautiful little girls that he adores and is the husband to his loving wife, Cherise. Chris was and still is your, fun-loving, hardworking, devoted father and husband. He was always ready and willing to help others with a smile. Several weeks ago on an icy road, miles from home, their lives changed forever.

The day Chris was to return to his wife and kids from a week-long trip, the vehicle he was in slid off the road. He was able to escape the vehicle, but not before being crushed as it rolled over top of him. Among his injuries are a broken shoulder, punctured lung, broken ribs and broken femur, to name a few. His spine was severed and the doctors say he will never walk again. Chris' heartwarming bravery, positive attitude and determination has inspired his family, friends and the community.

The medical expenses are enormous but the need is so much more. Chris and his family must move out of their home, they have lost their “breadwinner” and Chris will need special transportation. Chris is well aware of the challenges before him but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he is already powering through his pain and courageously fighting to start his new journey.

The challenges before him are unimaginable. His attitude and determination astounds us all.

Frey family and friends are asking for the community’s votes to help Chris establish his new “normal” where he can again proudly support himself and his family. Chris is eager to get back to work and a wheelchair accessible van would help make that possible. Chris’s brother entered him into a nationwide contest to win a new wheelchair accessible vehicle. The contest, sponsored by the National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association (NMEDA), encourages people with disabilities who are dealing with and overcoming mobility challenges to share their story on www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com. Stories will be voted on by friends, family and peers, and three lucky winners will be awarded a new customized wheelchair accessible vehicle.

The generous opportunity from NMEDA for Chris to win a medically equipped van is an amazing example of how technology, support and the generosity of others puts the handicap back to work and saves families.

Family and friends have also created a special Facebook group (Frey Family and Friends Support Page) to generate support, fundraisers, and now, votes. In mid May, the top 3 vote-getters will be rewarded with a van. Chris’s story has already received 2,210 votes in 24 hours. The contest ends May 13 and winners will be announced near the end of the month.

Please visit http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/oregon/keizer/1833/chris-frey to vote for Chris. Enter promo code 935 and get Chris 5 votes instead of 1 (code only valid once per person).