Meet Bobbi: How a Wheelchair Accessible Van Helped Her Family Thrive

Bobbi Dougharty is living her best life with her loving adopted family. She was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects fewer than 5,000 girls in the U.S. Bobbi had been in foster care since birth, and at just 11 months old, Joe and Laura welcomed her into their family and began the long journey of medical diagnostics.

Her condition stems from missing fibers in the brain, resulting in blindness, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, and the need for an NG feeding tube. Despite the challenges, the Doughartys are fully committed to giving Bobbi focused, loving care. They’ve even introduced her to enriching developmental experiences like adaptive sports, swimming, and beauty pageants.

Be An Angel stepped in to help when the family’s van became irreparable. With three children, a wheelchair, breathing equipment, care bags, and two parents trying to squeeze into a Mini-Cooper, transportation had become overwhelming. We provided the family with a wheelchair-accessible van, helping restore ease, freedom, and dignity to their daily life.

With the right support, families like the Doughartys have gone from limited to limitless—opening the door to greater independence for children like Bobbi.