JAN
JARVIS - JJARVIS@SIERRASTAR.COM
SUBMITTED
The YHS Auto Club is busy refitting a car with special hand controls
that will allow Sean Murphy the freedom of driving.
Sean
Murphy is an 18-year-old student at Yosemite High School with a
typical teenage boy’s love of cars. Said Mike Monahan, YHS auto
shop instructor, “Sean started hanging out around the auto shop
last year and wanted to know all about cars.”
But Sean’s dream of owning a car was made even more distant than
most young men’s because he has cerebral palsy and a vehicle designed
for him has to be specially equipped to accommodate his special
needs.
A
Good Samaritan and an anonymous donor
Mike Monahan has directed his students in restoring vehicles for
charitable causes in the past, so he thought acquiring and fixing
up a car to meet Sean’s needs would be a perfect project. “If I
could see the kids do one car a year for a worthy cause, I’d be
happy,” said Mike.
Mike spoke to an anonymous Mountain Area businessperson who was
looking for an opportunity to donate a 1986 Ford Bronco. The Bronco
was moved to the auto shop at YHS and Mike’s students began working
on it.
The Oakhurst Rotary, Elks and numerous private individuals donated
money to the YHS Auto Shop Club to help with the project. Yosemite
Smog and Electrical donated a free smog check and Golden Oak Auto
Parts supplied various auto parts.
Mike and the Auto Shop Club are now raising money to paint the Bronco,
pay for special driving lessons for Sean from a licensed school
specializing in disabled students, and purchase the hand controls
he will need to drive. The hand controls cost approximately $1500
and must be installed by a certified shop in Fresno.
Sean’s
goal of driving
Sean, who transferred here from Southern California, lives in Coarsegold
with his mother, brother and sister. The cerebral palsy he was born
with has caused him to lose control of his legs and feet. He walks
with the use of crutches and with hand controls he will be able
to drive. Mike said, “I know he has really good hand-to-eye motor
skills.”
Sean has his driver’s permit and has passed his written driving
test. The next step is going before a medical review board for certification
to be able to drive with the hand controls. If he is approved, which
everyone thinks he will be, Sean will receive a restricted activity
driver’s license so he can drive with his hand-controlled vehicle.
Everyone knows how important it is for a teenager to have the responsibility
of a driver’s license and the freedom to drive. If you would like
to make a donation for the refurbishment and refitting of Sean’s
Bronco, please send your check to the YHS Auto Shop Club, 50232
Rd. 426, Oakhurst 93644, attention Mike Monahan. Mark your check
“Sean Murphy Fundraiser.” If you have questions, you can reach Mike
at 683-4667.
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