From left are: Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead; Jamey Towler, Tire Dock; Sabrina Nizam, assistant district attorney, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; Andrea Alabi, assistant district attorney, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; Que Crane; Howard Sims, Brooks Towing; John Soesbe and Richard Jewell, Soesbe's Garage; and Greg Smith, AutoZone.SNELLVILLE – A group of area businessmen have stepped up to help a local man keep his wheelchair-accessible van on the road while money is raised for a new one.
On Sept. 20, 2007, Que Crane sustained a paralyzing spinal cord injury playing football and has had to use a wheelchair since. Crane and his family have been using a van since the injury which has seen better days. After hearing about the need for a new van, the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office started a GoFundMe account to buy a handicap-drivable van for Crane who lives in the Loganville area. As a motivational speaker, Crane travels around to schools and other venues talking about his life's journey and about never giving up in the face of adversity. A new van is a must for the man Andrea Alabi, assistant district attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, called our "silent hero."
It is estimated a new van will cost about $65,000.
Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead heard about Crane's story and offered to help keep the current van running while money is raised for a new one. Whitehead is an owner of Soesbe's Garage in Loganville which has stepped up to offer 24-7 care for the van free of charge in the meantime.
"It's all about stepping up to help," John Soesbe, also an owner at Soesbe's Garage, said to Crane Monday. "Like I told you, we've got your back."
Soesbe's Garage was joined by Tire Dock, which donated tires, Brooks Towing, which has towed the van for free to Soesbe's when it wouldn't run, and Autozone, which donated parts.
"It feels good," Jamey Towler, of Tire Dock said. "I feel great to be able to do it. God expects us to take care of each other."
Crane expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you all," he said. "I appreciate all your help."
To donate to help Crane get a new van visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1speyng8mo?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet