Lady Luck has not been kind to Mark Stockbrocks in recent weeks.
Already having to contend with a spinal cord infection and subsequent surgeries, Stockbrocks had his wheelchair-accessible van stolen while getting treatment for his condition.
He’s now out at least $30,000 and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to replace his only lifeline to get around the city.
“I seldom if ever ask people for money, but I’m afraid I have no option this time around,” he said.
Stockbrocks had a stroke six years ago and is triplegic: both his legs are paralyzed, along with his left arm.
His van was stolen near GF Strong on West 23rd Avenue and Laurel Street on Oct. 24. Stockbrocks left the van at about 1:30 p.m. and it was gone within 25 minutes. The vehicle is a 2005 grey Dodge Caravan and is modified for wheelchair transport. It has a tinted rear window and several stickers on the back door.
“We encourage anyone who spots the van to call their local police,” said Vancouver Police Department Const. Jason Doucette.
Stockbrocks has relied on wheelchair-accessible taxis in the weeks since the van’s disappearance. Doing so costs him upwards of $60 a day.
“Wheelchair taxis are a different nightmare all together,” he said. “You call them, they’re not available. If they come, they’ll just pick up able-bodied passengers because it’s less work and it’s easier.”
Stockbrocks purchased the Dodge van about four years ago and it cost him $18,000. It was already modified for wheelchair accessibility, a conversion process that can cost another $15,000.
Stockbrocks’ crowdfunding campaign has set a target of $40,000 and the Kitsilano resident is hoping to purchase a newer-model Toyota Sienna. He estimates the new van, along with the conversion process, will cost him somewhere between $60,000 and $80,000.
“This is very important to my capacity to get out and participate in life as fully as possible [and] get around to medical appointments and hospital visits,” Stockbrocks said.
The crowdfunding campaign is online at gofundme.com/stolen-wheelchair-van-fund.
jkurucz@vancourier.com
@JohnKurucz
