FOX43 first introduced you to Victoria Boyd, 13, of York Township, York County in November, when she was surprised with $200 from Michele Decker, manager of the Tourist Inn in Hellam.
Decker got to know Victoria’s story while helping to plan a benefit at the bar for Victoria.
Victoria suffers from distal spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness, loss of movement in the hands and feet and difficulty breathing.
As Decker explained then, Victoria’s family had two things at the top of their wish list.
“They have to carry her up and down the stairs because they don’t have a chairlift for the family for the house,” Decker said. “They don’t have a vehicle that’s really easy access for them to get her around to her doctor’s appointments.”
After the Pay it Forward segment aired, and a hugely successful benefit at The Tourist Inn, the family’s wishes were granted.
“Just when you think there aren’t good people in this world, things like this happen and it’s just a huge eye-opener,” said Holly Rugh, Victoria’s mother. “I’ve never seen people rally together in the name of love for one child.”
Victoria now has a lift to get her up and down the stairs with ease. It was donated and installed by Dan Mitchell, owner of Scooter Warehouse in Lancaster County.
“I love it. It’s fun,” Victoria said.
She’s also the proud owner of a van with a wheelchair lift, thanks to Ken Schlangen, S&R Glass and Maintenance in Carlisle.
Victoria has already racked up plenty of miles in her new ride.
“To my school, McDonalds, and to Philadelphia,” she said.
Victoria and her family are relishing her new-found independence, made possibly by the generosity of others.
“I was really shocked to see how many people donated,” Victoria said. “Thank you for all of your support and all of the donations.”
Schlangen also plans to install a wheelchair ramp at Victoria’s house for free as soon as the weather warms up.
In another great update, a local radio station sent Victoria tickets to see her favorite band, One Direction, in concert this summer.
Needless to say, she’s a very happy young lady.