MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Multiple sclerosis put Mark Ockenfels in a wheelchair 16 years ago, at the same time he purchased a used Dodge van that was equipped with hand controls, so he could drive and remain independent.
“To be able to do a van like that with those kind of modifications can be very expensive,” he told KPRC.
Today, the van is 18 years old with more than 200,000 miles on it.
In August, Ockenfels was in a minor fender-bender and the damages were estimated to be about $5,000; that’s more than the vehicle is worth.
It’s not getting fixed and as a result Ockenfels is stuck. He can’t go anywhere.
“I’m not physically strong enough to transfer into another vehicle. When I get in my wheelchair in the morning I stay in it until I go to bed at night,” he said.
Ockenfels' van allows him to ride his wheelchair up a side ramp and park it behind the steering wheel. There is no driver’s seat, just an empty space for his wheelchair. Without the van, Ockenfels has no independence.
“If you can imagine having a car and then suddenly you don’t have a car,” he said. “Now imagine having your legs cut off at the same time.”
Ockenfels' Sienna Plantation neighbors noticed the married father of two stuck at home day after day while his wife and kids were out doing things. Ockenfels wasn’t able to join them and it bothered his neighbors.
“It really concerned us that because of his little accident he had no way of getting out of our cul-de-sac or little village,” said Mindy Vu, one of the Ockenfelses' neighbors.
“It’s keeping him confined in here and not being able to be part of his kids’ lives,” said Missy Warner, another neighbor.
Neighbors set up two links to help Ockenfels raise enough money to buy another used van.
“I’ve been totally blessed by the neighbors. It’s really been something special,” he said.
To donate, visit theses sites: