Paralyzed Jasper senior still trying to win a customized van

Marissa Rogers needs the community’s help in a national contest for Local Heroes.

The Jasper High School Senior is in the running for a customized handicap van through National Mobility Awareness Month. She has been paralyzed from the waist down since birth.

According to Marissa, after she graduates in May she plans on attending Vincennes University Jasper.

Marissa would like to win the van, which is extremely expensive to purchase and outfit, so she can drive. “These vans start at $40,000 and the conversion runs between $15,000 to $20,000. Depending on adaptive/modified equipment needed,” she explained by email.

In order to drive in the state of Indiana the vehicle has to be customized completely to the individual’s requirements. Once the vehicle is approved a letter is written to the state allowing Marissa to drive.

The contest is here, and if people vote they can double their vote by answering the bonus question correctly.

“Other contestants already have over 2,000 votes,” Marissa stated in an email, “So I need to get Rollin’.”