Two brothers in wheelchairs from LI getting around easier thanks to van donation

CENTEREACH, Long Island (WABC) -- Nicholas and Tyler Accardi are pros at getting around in their power wheelchairs - getting to places with the power wheelchairs, however is another story...until now.

"There were times when my son was sick, and I had to pick him up from school. I would have to pick him up and carry him to the car, and fortunately the district was nice enough to drop the wheelchair off at the end of the day," said the boys' mother, ToniAnn Accardi.

On Thursday, Nicholas and Tyler got a handicap accessible van which can carry both boys, their parents, and their wheelchairs. Those with the Long Island Builders Institute raised $55,000 to purchase the van.

"I'm going to go everywhere I can ," said Nicholas.

The group is familiar with the Accardi family - they recently did $150,000 in renovations to their home in Centereach to make it easier for the boys to get around in their wheelchairs.

Tyler and Nicholas have a rare genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which leaves them unable to walk.

"Once we got involved, we couldn't stop at just the home renovation, we wanted to do the most impactful thing for the family, which would help them do the simplest things like even go to a doctor's appointment together," said Mike Souto.

It especially makes it easier for the family to go shopping.

"Moms would probably beg to not have to take their children to the store. I can't wait. I can't wait to chase after them in the grocery store," ToniAnn said.