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Brown is ‘free’ following van purchase

Erica Brown with the wheelchair-accessible van she recently purchased with settlement funds from the March 2021 crash which left her paralyzed from the chest down.

Erica Brown, of Cloverport, suffered a complete T8 Vertebrae Spinal Cord Injury in March 2021, when another vehicle crashed into hers on Highway 60, leaving her paralyzed. Since, she has been learning to adapt, and keeping an amazingly positive attitude. She recently was able to purchase a van with wheel chair accessibility, using the settlement money from the wreck, and it has greatly improved her quality of life.

“It was the best investment I’ve ever done. Because, I feel free. I feel like a person; more normal sitting in the front seat, just wheeling up my ramp. And, no one having to pick me up, and carry me, and hurt me when they’re pulling me in. It’s so easy. It takes less than 5 minutes. I love it. I can also sit in the driver’s seat, and probably in a couple of years, I’d like to learn to drive again with my handles on the steering wheel. I can’t wait for that,” Erica said, of her new van.

“I get to pull up in my van, and I get to go to the grocery stores, and do my shopping. I got my hair cut recently. I get to go to movies. They have a ramp, and you just pull up, and they have a seating for handicapped accessibility. You just pull right there, and it’s made for you. I want to go to Malco Theatre, in Owensboro, because it’s a newer place. And, then that way whoever comes with me can be comfortable in the seats there, and be right beside me. I get excited that I can go places now – even more places now, and do fun things, and then do my grocery shopping, and go to my doctor appointments, with ease,” she added.

She and her husband, Matthew, have been very appreciative of the generous donations they’ve received, such as a brand-new electric lift recliner for Erica, as well as a used recliner for Matt, donated by Sue Hill, of Lewisport; and, a brand-new electric wheelchair with USB ports, and 2 cup holders, given to Erica by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Erica is determined to stay in a positive mindset, and continues to have an inspiring excitement for life. “I have no feeling, and I never will. My injury is at T8 complete, which completely means you’re not going to get your feeling back. And, I’m o.k. with that. I’ve accepted that. And, I’m going to live life to the fullest…Things are coming together, and I’m so so thankful for everything you’ve done, and everybody who has helped me along this. I’m so grateful. I never can thank you enough,” she said.

By Jennifer Wimmer

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