When Sue Preble wants to drive her wheelchair-bound son, Chad, somewhere, she has to help him into the car, take his chair apart, then reassemble it and place him in the chair when they reach their destination.
A local nonprofit, Alisa's Angels Foundation, aims to ease that burden by raising $60,000 to help the family buy a wheelchair-accessible van.
The organization, which launched "Chad's Wheels" in June, has raised about $12,000. It hopes to add to the total with a Zumba-themed fundraiser today.
The Chad's Wheels Zumbathon, runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at the St. Gregory College Preparatory School gym, 3231 N. Craycroft Road. Instructors schooled in Zumba, the Colombian dance-fitness exercise craze, will lead attendees in calorie-killing, rump-shaking dance routines.
Preble said getting a van would make it far easier for her and her husband, Craig, to care for 17-year-old Chad, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
People are also reading…
"It would be just life-changing for us," Preble said. "It's an ordeal for us to go anywhere."
Sometimes, Preble said, she'll skip quick trips to the grocery store because it's too much of a hassle. Since Chad needs frequent medical care, his three monthly trips to doctor's offices are unavoidable.
"It can get tiring," said Preble, who has arthritis in both hands.
Alisa's Angels founder Kirk Wallendorf said his goal is to buy a van for the Prebles as quickly as possible, then focus on another family that needs similar help.
Preble appreciates the efforts people like Wallendorf and Zumba instructor Patricia Matthews, who is coordinating the event.
"It's heartwarming to see the outpour from the community," Preble said. "What's really exciting to me is that not only will we benefit, but then other families will benefit, too."
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
IF YOU GO
What: Chad's Wheels Zumbathon
When: 3 to 6 p.m. today
Where: St. Gregory College Preparatory School gym, 3231 N. Craycroft Road
Admission $10 at the door, $8 in advance
Online: chadpreble.blogspot.com
