Laura and John Rose given keys to New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
On Thursday, July 28, 2016 John Rose, retired choir teacher and Lexington, Kentucky resident was awarded a wheelchair accessible vehicle as a Local Heroes Contest winner in the senior category for National Mobility Awareness Month. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and Vantage Mobility International (VMI) are the sponsors of the giveaway of a 2016 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite wheelchair accessible vehicle. Rose who won the customized minivan with a (VMI) in-floor conversion, is afflicted with ALS and retired after a 39-year career as a high school choir teacher in Miami, Florida. Admired and respected by students, Rose started the non-profit “Where Every Child is a Star” that provides summer camp and educational experiences. Now with his wife Laura, Rose is living near family members in Kentucky. The wheelchair accessible vehicle will allow him to attend concerts and continue to be a part of the arts community. Laura is John’s caregiver and also now has a challenge of her own; she is in need of a kidney donor. Interesting fact – Lexington, Kentucky also had a national contest winner back in 2013 – Abigail Carter, who now lives in Florida. The National Mobility Awareness Month Local Hero Contest received 928 entries, and 1.1 million votes were cast to help select a winner.
About National Mobility Awareness Month
National Mobility Awareness Month is the annual May celebration that encourages seniors, veterans, caregivers and people with disabilities to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles. Founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit trade association, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) supports the awareness month with the assistance of approximately 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists located in the United States and Canada dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. For updates, please visit MobilityAwarenessMonth.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter (@NMEDAcom) and Pinterest.
News Links
www.wkyt.com/content/news/Lexington-man-with-ALS-wins-national-contest-given-wheelchair-accessible-van-388590152.html
http://www.wtvq.com/2016/07/28/lexington-man-als-wins-national-contest-new-van/
www.lex18.com/story/32566621/area-couple-wins-national-contest
