Frankfort's Brya Family Needs Your Vote to Win a Wheelchair Accessible Van

For Allison and Bill Brya of Frankfort every day is an uphill battle, tending to the needs of two children with severe disabilities. While it has drained their finances, it's also strengthened their resolve to love one another.

Allison Brya is the voice for her daughter, 7-year-old Bella, who cannot walk or play. However, she does manage occasionally to utter some sounds. Bella collapsed of a brain aneurysm when she was just 2 years old. It left her with severe brain damage. Her 4-year-old brother Liam was diagnosed with Goldenhar Syndrome (underdeveloped ear, small jaw-line and spinal deformities); he also has a tumor that's inoperable due to its proximity to the brain stem.

Bella's many trips to Chicago for physical and occupational therapy and a host of other therapies is working slowly, according to Allison. "Bella can say sounds and sometimes she does say a word. Bella can follow simple commands now, like put your lips together."

The most pressing problem the family currently faces is transporting 42-pound Bella and her 85-pound wheelchair to and from hospitals and therapy centers in Chicago.   

Allison, 43, can't lift the chair. Bella's dad, 44-year-old Bill, manages, but he's developed a hernia from all the heavy toting. The family's aged van cannot be converted, said Allison.

A wheelchair accessible van would make all the difference in the world. It would do the heavy lifting that she and Bill can't sustain for long.

Currently, there is an opportunity that can help the Brya family get the customized wheelchair van they desperately need. This May marks the 2nd annual celebration of National Mobility Awareness Month.

The campaign features Bella as a "Local Hero." Voting is open to the public and at least three customized wheelchair accessible vehicles will be awarded to the Local Hero Winners.

Voting is underway and will be open till May 10. Contest rules allow participants to vote once a day.

Vote Here:

•  For Bella and Liam, search for Bella Brya in Local Heroes, fill in your name, email address and cast your vote.  

Bella receives services from Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843.

For more information about the disabilities that mark the lives of the Brya family, visit For Bella and Liam.

To learn more about "moving forward" with disabilities, visit National Mobility Awareness Month website.

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