fbpx

A Helping Hand

Their introduction came seven years ago. Michael Hartwell, an auto collision technology instructor at Atlantic Technical College, and his students replaced a set of tires on the van of the school’s information management specialist, Kristy Bak. He noticed the disabled parking permit on the window.

Bak’s son, Andrew, was diagnosed with schizencephaly at birth, a rare condition that has left him with seizures and requires him to use a wheelchair.  As Hartwell got to know Bak and her family better, he realized that lifting Andrew in and out of the chair and vehicle multiple times a day would become increasingly difficult as her son grew. “She had to raise that boy, and get him into the van, and put the wheelchair in the back of the van. And, believe me, that was no light wheelchair,” Hartwell says.

He felt inspired to find a solution. It took six months of searching and the help of fellow ATC alumnus Tony Buziuk, owner of Keystone Fleet Service in Pennsylvania, to locate a replacement van. The school contributed materials, and, over the next five months, Hartwell and his students modified the vehicle to make it wheelchair-accessible—with a motorized ramp and customized chair. The big reveal came the day before Bak’s Nov. 17 birthday.

“I had 37 students line up in two rows going through the shop,” Hartwell says. “When we got out front, I unveiled the van and it had a big ‘Happy Birthday’ bow.”

Bak was moved beyond words. In a thank-you letter, she wrote that the gift removed considerable guilt, worry and fear of when she physically could no longer carry her child.

“It’s made everything so much easier,” Bak says. “Before it was like contemplating, ‘Can I really do this?’ or ‘How’s the weather today?’ or ‘How long is it going to take?’ ”

Hartwell also covered the vehicle registration and insurance for the first year. Providing a reliable solution and seeing the joy it has brought is a reward itself. “It’s amazing, the stress relief she has with this van,” Hartwell says.

The new van was a dream come true for Bak. “ ‘Someday. Maybe someday.’  That’s what you always tell yourself,” Bak says of her thoughts before she received the gift.

With the help of Hartwell and the Atlantic Technical community, that someday finally arrived.

You May Also Like

Healthcare Investor Hosts Fundraising Event for Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis

The evening will feature a Frank Sinatra impersonator, networking and a chance to raffle prizes from Amaira Med Spa & Surgical.

Quality Ingredients Made Legendary

Angelo Elia creates a restaurant empire.

Editor’s Letter: Staking Out the Middle Ground

The political partisanship in Florida is pretty stark these days. However, the career of John P. “Jack” Seiler is a reminder that wasn’t always the case. Seiler, who is featured on this month’s cover, served a key role as a fiscally conservative Democrat during his time in the Florida statehouse. Some people thought he was

Kevin Gale
Hit the Road? Not This Jack

Seiler has had a long and distinguished public service career serving South Florida.

Other Posts

Solarback and Changing Lives of Boca Raton Hosts Beach Cleanup

The event honored Global Recycling Day on March 18.

Hello Day Hosts Pilates Class and Wellness Event With Influencer Ginger Harris at The Diplomat Resort

The athleisure brand aims to provide top-notch quality pieces that cater to women of various body types and sizes.

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Introduces “Tastes of Discovery” Culinary Voyages With World-Renowned Chefs

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours invites culinary enthusiasts and travel enthusiasts to experience the Tastes of Discovery Series, an unparalleled journey that takes passengers along the immaculate Kimberley coastline in Australia and the lively east coast of South America. This exceptional series opens the door to a world of taste, providing a distinctive combination of adventure

The Seagate Hotel in Delray Introduces Golf-Centric Hotel Package

The world-class golf and country club is home to one of the premier championship golf courses in Palm Beach County.