A young girl’s van with wheelchair ramp fundraiser grows into a community movement

A wheelchair van fundraising effort led by 9-year-old Adriana “Adri” Marvella Arias is capturing hearts in Fresno, California, proving how one small idea can spark a big change.

Born with spina bifida, Adri uses a wheelchair every day. Still, she is determined to gain more independence and take control of her mobility.

Spina bifida is a birth condition that begins early in pregnancy, when a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not form the way they should, says Cleveland Clinic.

Normally, a structure called the neural tube closes during early development to create the brain and spinal cord.

However, when this tube does not close completely, it leaves an opening in the spine.

As a result, the gap can affect the nerves, spinal cord, and bones in the back. In more serious cases, a fluid-filled sac may push out through the opening.

The condition can vary in severity, but it often impacts how the body moves and functions.

Adri’s stand brings hot drinks and hope

To help her family, Adri started a small stand outside her home, selling hot chocolate and a warm Mexican drink called champurrado.

Every penny she earned went toward a van with a ramp. This special vehicle would allow Adri to roll inside on her own, without needing her parents to lift her.

Currently, Adri’s mother, Araceli De La Garza, is her main caregiver.

She lifts Adri in and out of the family’s SUV for school and medical appointments. This task has become more difficult as Adri grows taller.

The family shared on their GoFundMe page that a van with a ramp is now essential to their daily life.

“I really want her to be independent,” De La Garza told CBS47+. “I don’t want spina bifida to hold her back or for her to think she can’t do something.”

Social media helps wheelchair van fundraising go viral

The fundraising effort gained momentum when Araceli shared a TikTok video inviting neighbors and friends to visit Adri’s stand.

The idea for the stand originally came from Adri herself. Araceli said that once Adri had the idea, they decided to post the video to see if people would come.

The video quickly went viral, reaching thousands of people who liked and shared it.

What started as a small drink stand became a citywide event in Fresno. Many people left kind messages online.

One mother shared that her daughter also has spina bifida and planned to visit the stand.

Visitors praised the champurrado, while others encouraged the community to keep giving so the family could reach their goal.

Adri’s determination inspires her community

Adri was amazed by the outpouring of support.

“I was surprised,” she told the news outlet. “My mom was trying to save money to buy a car with the ramp, so I wanted to help.”

Her father, Juan Arias, said that the van would change Adri’s life. With the right vehicle, Adri could push herself inside, giving her the freedom to move without assistance.

The story has reached national news, highlighting the impact of one child’s determination and the support of a caring community.

Araceli told PEOPLE that the response has been overwhelming.

“It is amazing seeing how Adrianna’s story is getting so much support and love,” the mom shares. “Our little girl has the power to shake the community of Fresno and surrounding areas.”

Adri’s wheelchair van fundraising unites the community

Araceli hopes Adri’s story will show that no dream is too small and that it is okay to ask for help when life is difficult.

She credited the success of the wheelchair van fundraising to the kindness of strangers, noting that the viral video only gained traction because everyone worked together to share it on social media.

By selling hot drinks on a sidewalk, Adri has united her community. Her wheelchair van fundraising stand is about more than just a van—it represents a young girl who refuses to let anything stop her.

She continues to work toward her goal of independence, one cup of hot chocolate at a time.

The support from Fresno and beyond demonstrates how a community can rally behind a child’s determination.

Adri’s story shows that with courage, creativity, and generosity, even a simple idea can make a real difference.

The wheelchair van fundraising initiative continues to inspire neighbors, friends, and strangers alike, reminding everyone that small acts can lead to big change.

Watch how Adri’s inspiring wheelchair van fundraising story is making a difference, as featured on CBS47 KSEE24 News.