Jacoby Miles’ family given ADA accessible van, home accessibility modifications

Jacoby Miles, the Puyallup gymnast who was injured during gymnastics practice at Roach Gymnastics last month, received a special early Christmas Present last week in the form of a specialized van.

Jacoby Miles, the Puyallup gymnast who was injured during gymnastics practice at Roach Gymnastics last month, received a special early Christmas Present last week in the form of a specialized van.

LookLarson.com, Kersey Mobility and Vantage Mobility presented Miles and her family with a 2012 Toyota Sienna van to the family of Jacoby Miles as an early Christmas present at 11 am Dec. 7 at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The ADA equipped vehicle is a surprise for the Miles family.

Miles, 15, was left paralyzed from the mid-chest down after she landed on her neck on a routine dismount off the uneven/parallel bars Nov. 16.

The oldest of six children, doctors say it will be a miracle if she walks again, but are hopeful she will regain use of her hands.

Looklarson.com donated the cypress-colored van, and Kersey Mobility in Sumner and Vantage Mobility added the lift, making the vehicle accessible for Jacoby and her wheelchair, which according to the family’s blog, Jacoby has been working to get the hang of.

According to Melanie Roach, the van is worth approximately $30,000 and the ADA lift is worth approximately $25,000.

Also this week, the Miles family home in Puyallup is getting a makeover to ensure that when Jacoby comes home, the house will be accessible to her.

The renovation to the Miles’ home includes adding an ADA accessible bedroom and bath for Jacoby as well a walk-in closet. A new master bedroom and bath is being added for her parents, Gretchen and Jason.

The addition is approximately 1300 square feet and worth approximately $75,000, according to Tim Baublitz, project coordinator for the remodel. The doors are being widened for Jacoby’s wheelchair and the garage is being modified to house her new wheelchair accessible van.

The remodel is set to be completed Dec. 23 so the family can be back home for Christmas. The money, materials and work for the remodel was collected through donations from the community and from construction and building supply companies from around the region.

A South Hill family generously donated a house for the Miles family to live in while their home is being remodeled.

In addition, U.S. Olympians, TV and radio personalities and local dignitaries showcase the VIPs attending a dinner and auction to benefit paralyzed gymnast Jacoby Miles Dec. 17 at the Temple Theatre in Tacoma.  All proceeds from this event benefit Miles’ medial and rehabilitation expenses. Tickets are available at www.goteanjacoby.com.