If Snopes published a “it’s for real” page on their site with a link, I bet donations would go through the roof.
A friend at work told me Ford is discontinuing the Econoline van. He’s in the process of getting one converted for his daughter. Thats the van people have converted for handicapped use for over forty years. They’re easy to install wheelchair lifts in and sometimes they raise the roof with a fiberglass top.
I think he said the 2013’s are the last Econolines. There should still be some left on dealers lots.
Unfortunately the Ford Econoline is not sold in Australia.
Hey! You topped 18k!
Awesome!
Hope things continue to move along.
Thanks, Sarabellum1976. 
Likewise - missed this the first time round, but saw it on the bump.
First of the month, time to chuck in another few bucks if you’ve got it.
Anything interesting going on, Dion?
I made a small contribution. Best of luck!
Closing in on 19k!
I’m looking wistfully at a minivan myself this month, tho I can’t afford one, since the sedan I use to tote around 4 kids got rear-ended 2 weeks ago. The rental they gave us is a swanky 2014 Town & Country, complete with TV/DVD and all the toys, and my kids and I have gotten spoiled. Very spoiled. I get my Mazda 3 back in another week or so. 
Sarabellum1976, I’m really sorry to hear that. I hope things improve for you.
We’re currently in the process of dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. Things are ticking along, and once we’re able to, we’ll get the fundraiser happening.
Long-term, we’re hoping to spin this off into a charitable organisation focused on helping others with similar needs–there is a noticeable gap in where the system can help people with disabilities fully participate in the community, and that gap needs to be closed.
Thanks again to everyone who has helped so far. Your kindness will not be forgotten. The SDMB is a great community and I’m glad to be a part of it.
First of the month again!
Share it around Facebook and Twitter again, toss in another few dollars if you’ve got 'em!
Done! Thanks for bumping, I’d never had seen it otherwise
Since this might be a payday for lots of folks, here’s a bump for you.
Hey, thanks!
BTW, I want everyone to know that things are still in progress behind the scenes. I’m organising an auditor (which I need by law) so I’ve been keeping a low profile on things only for that reason.
As it’s the EOFY here in Aus for us suckers who pay tax, thought I might bump this thread again in case anybody might have a spare few bucks when they get their MILLIONS back in their tax return!!! 
(Me…I think I owe the bastards this year! Had a short stint on Centrelink when my back was truly stuffed, and it totally screwed over everything. HOWEVER, if my worst fears are NOT realized, I’ll be good in a couple of weeks for a donation again Lobot!)
Good luck again mate, hope the fundraising is going leaps and bounds for ya.
Thanks, kambuckta!
I’m just waiting on a fundraising permit and then no doubt we’ll get some real progress on meeting our goal!
Thanks again, everyone. It really means a lot.
Update! We have the permit, so we can now continue with the fundraising!
Where we’re at: We’re $392 from reaching $20,000! That’s roughly half-way to getting me the base vehicle, so that’s great news.
The warmer weather is just around the corner, and at this point I have no idea if the current ECU in my van will get fried again (this is the third ECU) and fail me in the heat. With warnings of the potential for another early bushfire season, this is not a good situation.
Anyway, thanks so, so much to everyone here who has donated, some multiple times. You’ve all been so generous. All I ask is that if you again see an opportunity to share the link, please do. Any bit of attention helps to get me closer to my goal. 
So glad to hear you’re able to start campaigning again!
It was 105 degrees Fahrenheit here in Texas today with no chance of rain in sight - maybe you should look into getting a van that doesn’t have a black interior? It was pretty miserable out there today.
Take care, and good luck with the fundraising!
Check out Dionne’s story, and give a little! Just passed $20,000!!
Shared on FB and a tiny bit of cash added!