Chris Norton's supporters are working to win a modified van for him

Toyota and Chrysler are providing the grand prize vans

Luther College student Chris Norton, who is recovering from being paralyzed during a football game against Central College three and a half years ago, has been making an inspiring comeback from his injury.

The latest chapter in his life underscores how far he has come in his recovery--he's talking about wanting a car.

Right now he has to rely on his friends for rides everywhere he needs to go. He's extremely busy with the SCI CAN Foundation, which he founded and which has raised over $230,000 since August of 2012.  He also has to do a lot of traveling for his motivational speaking and he does therapy 3-4 hours a day.  Having a vehicle that he could drive himself would help him to make a bigger difference in other people's lives.

Fortunately, his new girlfriend, Emily Summers, and some other friends have entered Chris into a contest that would award $50,000 towards the cost of a vehicle with the right technology that would enable him to drive himself.

May is National Mobility Awareness Month. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities. The organization promotes and supports members engaged in the modification of quality transportation and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

NMEDA is celebrating Mobility Awareness Month by having a contest which gives away accessible vehicles to individuals who need them.  The organization is holding on-line voting through next Friday, May 9th.  People finishing in the top ten percent of all entries will then be eligible for one of the four $50,000 prizes to be awarded.

You can help Chris Norton to be eligible for an accessible vehicle by voting at http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/christopher-norton-altoona-ia/.  There is no cost and no obligation.