Sticker Shock, 4th of July, and James’ Health

New Van Sticker Shock

A couple of months ago I shared some of the issues we were having with our current wheelchair accessible van, the cost for repairs, and that we were starting to think about getting a new one. While there are many different kinds of vehicles available that have been modified with a ramp for a wheelchair, a minivan suits our needs best.

In the minivan category, there are three primary options: Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna.  We currently have a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan, but it was discontinued in 2020 and replaced with the Chrysler Pacifica. Because of the issues we’ve been having on a vehicle that is only 8 years old and has less than 80,000 miles on it, we probably will not go for the Pacifica, which is made by the same company as our Grand Caravan. Between the remaining two minivan options, we’re leaning more towards the Sienna, which is a tad more expensive than the Pacifica, but cheaper than the Odyssey.

When the Abilities Expo made its annual stop in Chicago last month, we went to take a look at the minivans they had on display. To say that we walked away with a bit of sticker shock is an understatement. I was a little bit off when I was thinking we would be looking at spending $60-70,000 on a new van.

 

A window‑mounted information sheet displays the specifications and pricing for a BraunAbility Toyota XT Power Foldout Ramp conversion. It lists the VIN, the base vehicle price, the conversion price, and the combined total. A chart shows prep and destination charges by distance zones, and the final assembly point is noted as Winamac, Indiana. Standard features such as the lowered floor, power door, foldout ramp, kneeling system, removable seats, and securement options are itemized. A section at the bottom outlines interior measurements, ramp angle, ramp length, and ramp weight. The page is formatted like a dealership spec sticker, dense with technical details and pricing.
Sticker price for a 2022 BraunAbility Toyota Sienna XLE Hybrid Power Foldout XT Wheelchair Van

 

The cost of the Toyota Sienna XLE (unmodified) was $41,565, and the modifications to make it wheelchair accessible added $38,580, which brought the total price of the van to $80,145. The modifications almost double the price of the van. Crazy, right? How do people afford these things?! And that doesn’t include taxes or any of the other fees you need to pay when you buy a car. In our case, our sales tax is 10%, so add another $8,000 to the price and we’re looking at around $90,000 out the door. You want to know what we paid for our Grand Caravan in 2014? The total price with all taxes and fees…$54,217.09. Eight years later and we’re looking at needing to come up with almost double that. I think we are going to have to arrange another fundraiser because there is no way that we can afford that. I would consider getting a second job, but with Stacy working nights and weekends, I don’t think that’s a possibility.

 

 

4th of July

James sits in his wheelchair indoors, positioned in front of a large American flag. The flag’s blue field is redesigned so its stars form a stylized wheelchair symbol. He wears a face mask, and medical equipment is attached to his chair. The scene blends national imagery with disability representation, creating a bold visual statement about inclusion and identity.

 

Like most years, we had to skip going to any 4th of July parades this year. It was just too hot for James to be outside for too long. The above picture was taken at the Abilities Expo…before our jaws hit the floor when we saw what a new wheelchair accessible van is going to cost.

 

 

Health

Not much to report here. James had a routine appointment with the pulmonologist a couple of weeks ago.

 

James sits in his supportive wheelchair wearing a Route‑66 themed face mask, a colorful ice‑cream‑patterned neck pillow, and a black shirt with bright geometric designs. Stacy leans in close beside him, wearing a light‑colored patterned mask. Behind them, papers and posters are pinned to the wall, giving the space an indoor, clinic‑or‑office feel. The scene captures a quiet moment of companionship and care, with both of them masked and close together.
Waiting for the pulmonoligst

 

He was pleased with how James was doing and told Stacy to keep up with everything we were doing, especially the nebulizer treatments throughout the day. Maggie sometimes offers assistance with the neb treatments by keeping a close watch on the tubing.

 

James lies on a cushioned recliner on the floor, Tubing from a breathing device runs toward him as he rests. Beside him on the carpet, a medium‑sized dog lies close, facing the camera. Around them are pillows, bags, and folded blankets, with furniture and personal items visible in the background. The scene feels quiet and tender, capturing a moment of comfort and companionship between James and his dog.
Maggie protecting the nebulizer tubing