Alejandro, 15, was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder shortly after he was born. Doctors only gave him six months to live, but he has defied the odds and will turn 16 this summer.

“He has a strong spirit. He’s a fighter,” said Tony Rivera, Alejandro’s father.

Alejandro is blind and nonverbal. He requires care from his parents and nurses 24/7. Although Alejandro doesn’t experience the world in the same ways as other children, he is able to communicate his feelings and emotions through sound.

“His family and caretakers can read him and offer what he needs to fulfill his desires and emotions. Alejandro is a happy child. He only knows how to do one thing, which is to offer love and embracement,” said Tony.

Tony and his wife Sharon connected with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2019. Alejandro’s original wish was a Disney cruise to Hawaii, but after a difficult surgery and the onset of the pandemic, Tony and Sharon began to brainstorm alternatives with their Wish Granters. They landed on the perfect wish: a BraunAbility Turny Seat, which swivels and lowers for easier access in and out of the car. 

From a young age, Alejandro’s parents noticed that he reacted positively during car rides. He loves riding through the country roads in Tyler, Texas. Tony stops at farms along the way to introduce Alejandro to farmers and their animals. A chair for their family vehicle would make it easier for Alejandro’s parents and caretakers to help him find joy.

The chair is estimated to cost around $12,000, but in June, American Lift Aids and BraunAbility partnered to generously donate the chair and install it in the Riveras’ van at no cost. We could not be more grateful for this wonderful donation that’s making life easier for the whole family.

Tony says that the chair has brought great joy to Alejandro. It can move completely outside the vehicle and lowers it down to the desired level. With a push of a button, it can lift Alejandro back inside the vehicle the same way.

“Alejandro has been enjoying being ascended and descended into van, He gets a kick out of it. The moment the wish was granted was enthralling and so fulfilling. I would not have been in the position to pay for something like this. We’re so grateful,” said Tony.

Special thanks to BraunAbility and American Lift Aids in Tyler for making Alejandro’s wish for a van seat come true!