CEO John Darvish Delivers Customized Mobility Van to Local Mother and Quadruple Amputee
BETHESDA, Md., March 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Last night, WUSA 9 aired a heartwarming story showcasing the life-changing donation of a customized mobility van from DARCARS’ CEO, John Darvish to quadruple amputee and local mother, Amanda Flores.
Mr. Darvish learned about Ms. Flores’ harrowing story from a news segment WUSA 9 aired last summer. A life-threatening infection required the amputation of Ms. Flores’ arms and legs in order to save her life. The young mother of two sons faced a difficult recovery, which was complicated by the fact that she could no longer drive herself, or her children places. In the segment that aired in August, Ms. Flores said that she wanted a specialized van that she could drive to help provide normalcy for her two sons.
“When I saw her story, I was moved by her spirit and tenacity,” said John Darvish, CEO of DARCARS. “I have young kids of my own and I identified with her desire to give her kids the best life possible. If this van helps make their lives better, I will be proud to have helped out.”
“It is astonishing how quickly and drastically one’s life can change in a moment. My illness caused my life and my family’s life, to be upended, but this gift from John Darvish and DARCARS will change my life again for the better,” said Amanda Flores. “I am so very thankful that he saw my story and wanted to help me and my family.”
The cherry-red 2018 Toyota Sienna van has been customized to fit Ms. Flores, allowing her to drive the vehicle with hand controls that replace the foot pedals. Auxiliary controls like lights, radio, windshield wipers have been modified to be voice-activated. Also, the driver’s seat rotates and lowers to aid entry and exit from the vehicle. The DARCARS team included a silver keychain inscribed with “Phoenix,” Ms. Flores’ name for the vehicle and how she sees herself: rising again.
The mobility van was presented to Ms. Flores on February 2, 2018, in a ceremony at DARCARS Silver Spring Toyota. She was greeted by cheering DARCARS staff along with her family and friends, the nurse that helped save her life, her physical therapist, and driving instructor.
About DARCARS
DARCARS Automotive Group, founded in 1977 by John R. Darvish, is a family-owned group of 38 automobile franchises representing a broad range of manufacturers. With more than 20 locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Jacksonville, FL, DARCARS sells 1 out of approximately every 600 new cars sold in the United States. Visit DARCARS at www.DARCARS.com.
