Family wishes to buy wheelchair-accessible van for daughter

WINTERPORT – Madyson Gray is the 7-year-old daughter of Robert and Tracy Gray of Winterport. Those who know her describe her as a delightful little girl with a keen sense of humor, radiant smile and a giggle that warms hearts. She is a second-grader at Leroy H. Smith Elementary School.

Madyson was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy that involved the mitochondria in her cells. The disorder affects her strength and muscle tone. Her speech and vision also are affected. She is unable to walk and uses a wheelchair to get around.

Recently, Madyson got a new wheelchair because she had outgrown her old one. This has caused new challenges for the Gray family, who live in a small home. They also are experiencing increased difficulty loading her wheelchair into the family van.

As a result, the Winterport community has formed the Madyson Gray Fund committee. The committee’s goal is to provide financial assistance for the Grays to purchase a 2003 wheelchair-accessible van from a local dealership. The cost of the van is $25,500. The committee hopes to raise $5,000 to help keep monthly payments within the family’s budget.

A benefit spaghetti supper will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Smith School. The suggested donation is $5, or $20 for a family.

Those who wish to make a monetary donation may mail a check to Madyson Gray Fund, Attn: Laurie Saucier, c/o Leroy H. Smith School, P.O. Box 10, Winterport ME 04496.

For more information, visit www.winterportmaine.gov.