Getting around is easier for the Wyatt family of Kalispell thanks to a donated van outfitted for their daughter Candace.

Flexibility is a concern for the 12-year-old due to her cerebral palsy. Getting into a sedan took time and care.

Kalispell Middle School special education teacher Cheryl Russell realized this after helping Candace into her parents’ car one day at school.

“Due to Candace’s physical impairments, she is not very flexible,” Russell said. “It took me almost 20 minutes to try and get her into the back seat and into a child’s safety seat without hurting her.”  

Russell realized that a vehicle adapted to Candace’s needs would make getting into a vehicle much easier.

“I couldn’t believe how difficult that it was, or that her parents had been dealing with this for 12 years,” Russell said.

Adaptive vehicles are often cost-prohibitive for families. Candace’s parents, Patty and David Wyatt, have been trying to obtain money for a vehicle for more than a decade.

Russell wanted to help and wrote letters asking different organizations for assistance.

Her letters soon were answered.

Wisher’s Auto Recycling in Kalispell donated a van in April and monetary donations came in to cover costs of purchasing adaptive equipment to outfit the vehicle.

The Marshall and Mary Brondum Special Assistance Foundation out of Missoula donated $4,855 and For the Children Inc. of Whitefish donated $2,522. Hanser’s Automotive and Wrecker Co., in Billings donated a new transmission, which was installed by Complete Automotive in Kalispell. Sabrina Wisher’s brother, Shane Amundson worked on the van to get it ready for the Wyatts.

“I thought it was great,” Patty Wyatt said.

The van allows Candace to travel in a power chair.

“Anything that offers more independence for Candace, of course you want that,” Wyatt said.

Sabrina Wisher understands the frustration of being limited by expenses.

Wisher went through the process herself trying to secure money for a vehicle adapted for her own daughter, Mikayla, who uses a wheelchair. With the support of her father, Jerry, owner of Wisher’s, the business has donated vehicles for the past six years.

“I know how it feels to need. It’s hard. Everything is so expensive for a child with special needs,” Wisher said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].