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Going the distance for Nickolas

Local family holds fundraiser for wheelchair-accessible van

There’s no bond stronger than family, and locals showed that by helping a family raise money for their loved ones miles away.

Jessica Gregory receives a hug during the fundraiser event for a wheelchair-accessible van for her son, Nickolas Silva, at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township on Saturday. "I'm overwhelmed with it all," said Gregory. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

On Saturday, the fundraiser, ‘A Ride for Nickolas,’ was held at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township for 5-year-old Nickolas Silva’s family to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for him.

Nickolas, who lives in Richmond, Va., with his parents, was born with Miller-Dieker syndrome and was not expected to live past age 2. The rare brain condition renders him unable to walk and talk.

Since no programs provide assistance with purchasing wheelchair-accessible transportation, Nickolas’ grandmother, aunts and uncles banded together to host a local fundraiser.

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