Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Toyota gives wheelchair van as wedding gift to amazing bride

Toyota and The Braun Corporation have partnered to provide a unique wedding present to a very special bride. A little over a year ago, Rachelle Friedman was celebrating her bachelorette party when she was pushed into a swimming pool. When she fell, Friedman broke her C6 vertebra and became a quadriplegic in an instant. After 14 months of hospitals, physical therapy and daunting medical bills, Friedman and her fiancé finally tied the knot on July 22.

While the bride and her family were preparing for the wedding, Toyota and Braun, one of the leading manufacturers of wheelchair-accessible van conversions, lent Friedman a vehicle to help out. Before that, her mother had to carry her in and out of the family's SUV. What Friedman didn't know was that Toyota was planning to surprise the newlyweds with an accessible Sienna Rampvan of their very own.

The new vehicle has opened up a new level of comfort and independence, and Friedman says that she can't wait to learn to drive on her own next. While most of us would have a hard time facing Friedman's reality, the young woman has maintained a positive outlook throughout her ordeal that's as inspirational as it is amazing. We wish Friedman and her husband, Chis Chapman, the best.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/t...amazing-bride/

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

What a great move by Toyota. Love hearing stories like this

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

kudos to both companies

I always thought the wheel-chair equipped sienna came in the LE, not SE

caddyowner

While this is a very nice gesture, it isn't without benefit to the van dealership, Braun, and Toyota. From what I've read, this person is active in the online disability community and has had a lot of print and broadcast press exposure.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

I've read about this couple's story and it's truly magical.

Props to Toyota for making this gift to a very deserving couple.

ABC

Very nice Good to hear positive news once in a while!

Turbinator

Definitely - good stuff!!

Turby

Habious

This couple lives in the same neighborhood that my sister does, down in Raleigh.

Amazing story of strength with her.

And I don't understand how her "best friend" hasn't put a gun to her own head yet. I honestly don't think I could live with myself if I paralyzed my best friend "as a joke".

caddyowner

My understanding is that all of these are done by 3rd parties (Braun in this instance). As my wife uses a wheelchair, I've investigated handicap vehicles a bit. In some instances, the factory warranty may be impacted by the conversion, so it's something to research when buying one of these vehicles. Sticker price is usually quite steep - the price of the van plus $20-30K for the conversion.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Wow, props to Toyota and Braun!

Gotta appreciate it when companies give back

jadu

iTrader: (42)

i remember reading that article when she was pushed into a pool

rominl

iTrader: (4)

awesome move by toyota, very very good thinking

anthrax144

So?!? Isn't that why most people get involved in charity? Not only to do some good but to feel better about themselves (i.e. gain something from it)? They didn't have to do this. Any other company could have stepped up and done the same thing for the free press but didn't. Kudos to all involved for the amazing gesture! Even if they could possibly benefit from it as well.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

felixsc300

iTrader: (5)

I read about this today, truly and outstanding act by ToMoCo.