Chris Medina fell just short of making it into the top 24 in this year’s American Idol, but his brief exposure on the mega-hit show, and his emotional personal story, continues to reap valuable benefits.
Medina and his beautiful fiance Juliana Ramos, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident that left her a wheelchair user, have been given a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan with an automatic ramp and approximate value of $45,000.
Because my son was a wheelchair user, I know that this incredible gift means increased freedom and valuable mobility for the couple already seriously challenged by the daily reality of Ramos’ accident.
Read the Chicago Sun Times piece announcing the gift here.
Yet another reminder that disability can happen to anyone at any time.
Special Note: Kudos to the Chicago Sun Times reporter, too, for using the term brain injured instead of brain damaged in this piece.
Photo of Michigan ADA 20th anniversary participant by Judy Winter 2011.