Gardner family raising money for accessible van to help daughter with rare condition
By Alan Shope
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GARDNER, Kan. (KMBC) — A Gardner family is asking for help to improve their daughter’s quality of life by raising money for an accessible van.
Twelve-year-old Macy Hornbuckle is known for her bright personality and signature smile.
“That’s her number one signature look right there — her smile,” said her mother, Jacque Hornbuckle.
At a young age, Macy was diagnosed with a rare hypomyelination disease — a condition so uncommon her family says there are only a handful of known cases worldwide.
“She started having seizures, and we found out that she had hypomyelination disease,” her mother said.
Macy, now a sixth grader, attends school by bus. But outside of school, her mobility is limited, making even simple outings difficult.
“You have to plan a trip just to go to your local grocery store,” said her father, Mark Hornbuckle.
The family’s challenges grew even greater when the van they relied on to transport Macy broke down more than a year ago.
Now, they’ve launched a campaign called “Miracle for Macy” to raise money for a fully accessible van, which can cost between $50,000 and $80,000.
“It would mean so much to us,” Mark Hornbuckle said.
In an effort to raise funds, a family member donated a Ford Mustang that belonged to Macy’s grandfather. The family is now raffling off the car through a business in Junction City, hoping to generate enough money for a down payment.
“It was her grandfather’s Mustang, and my brother donated it,” Mark Hornbuckle said.
For Macy’s parents, the goal is simple: give their daughter the opportunity to experience more of the world.
“That is why she needs a van,” Jacque Hornbuckle said. “She needs the van to be able to go do these things that a typical child does.”
“Be able to let her see things and be able to get out and enjoy her life like she should be able to,” Mark Hornbuckle added.
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