Toyota and BraunAbility Announce Winner of “Ultimate Fan Van Giveaway”

WINAMAC, Ind.--BraunAbility, the world’s largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans, ramps and wheelchair lifts, today announced 14-year-old Kody Harlow of Lebanon, OH, who is diagnosed with mitochondrial disease as well as other medical conditions which severely limit his mobility, as the winner of the Ultimate Fan Van Giveaway contest.

Kody was one of 6,000 contestants who submitted essays explaining their need for the van and how it would impact their life. Three of Kody’s brothers as well as his mother all have mitochondrial disease, which affects the cells responsible for converting energy for the body. Kody’s condition has led to multiple system diseases, requiring him to use a wheelchair to conserve energy. The van the family currently owns is in disrepair, greatly limiting Kody’s mobility, putting a strain on the family and ultimately motivating them to enter the contest.

Launched in April 2009, the contest was created in conjunction with Toyota, Braun Racing and Great Clips to give away a one-of-a kind, fully converted wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienna minivan to a deserving candidate with a physical disability. Designed to look like a race car, the “Ultimate Fan Van” features the same distinctive racing style decals as the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota Camry driven by Jason Leffler when he won the Nationwide Series Race in July 2007.

The van will be presented to Kody on October 16th during the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Race in Charlotte, NC. As the winner of the contest, Kody will also have the opportunity to meet Jason Leffler who will take him on a victory lap in the van before the race.

“The Fan Van will make a difference in my life because it will make me smile every day and allow me to get around,” said Kody, “It will also make it easier for my mom to take me to all my doctors appointments.”

“We are thrilled to present the Fan Van to Kody and the Harlow family,” said Ralph Braun, founder and CEO of BraunAbility. “By providing him with this specialized wheelchair-accessible vehicle we are strengthening his independence and greatly improving his ability to enjoy life”

About BraunAbilty

BraunAbility is the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans, ramps, and wheelchair lifts, enabling people with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The Winamac, Indiana-based company was founded by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and unable to walk by age 15. Ralph was motivated by his disability to invent the world’s first electric scooter (the Tri-Wheeler) and wheelchair lift (the Lift-A-Way) in his parents’ garage. Word spread and demand for the product increased, resulting in the birth of Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which ultimately became BraunAbility. Many of Ralph’s best customers were inspired to become mobility dealers themselves, and are located across the country. The company’s flagship products include the Rampvan (Toyota Sienna) and the Entervan (Chrysler/Dodge). For more information, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.braunability.com. For photos and a detailed description of the Fan Van, please visit www.fanvangiveaway.com.

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