Fundraiser Saturday for Saugus man

SAUGUS – The family of a Saugus man confined to a wheelchair is appealing to the community to help purchase a new wheelchair van.Rob Schreifer, 35, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a degenerative neuromuscular disease, which affects all mobility and motor skill, when he was 10 years old.Despite the debilitating disease, Rob managed to graduate from Saugus High School in 1991 and he went on to graduate from Wentworth in 1996 where he studied architecture.His sister Danielle Quarantello, a Billerica resident, said Rob relies on personal care assistants and she is his primary caretaker.Danielle said her brother was an active adolescent but the disease forced him into a wheelchair when he was 16.”For the past 25 years, his disease has taken complete control of his body, which has made him completely dependent on others for his daily needs,” she said. “He relies on state funding and limited financial help from his family.”Danielle added despite all the adversity, Rob has maintained a positive outlook.”I do everything for him,” she said. “Rob requires ’round-the-clock care. He has personal care assistants, but if they do not show up, I have to go over and help him out.”The van being used to transport Rob was purchased for $1 from Greater Lynn Senior Services five years ago and Danielle said her brother is basically home-bound until the family can purchase a reliable wheelchair accessible van.”It is on its last leg and is unreliable on the road,” she said. “The PCAs (personal care assistants) are not comfortable driving the old van, so I drive Rob to doctors appointments, shopping or out to a movie.”Danielle said a new handicapped van would cost approximately $40,000, but the family would use whatever money is raised to buy a used affordable wheelchair accessible vehicle.”I know times are very tough for everyone, but we would appreciate any help getting a new van for Rob,” Danielle said. “I have learned by his example that no matter what life throws at you, you must go on and deal with it. We should all have his optimism and positive outlook on life. He is such an inspiration and I want to try to make his life more comfortable and enjoyable. A new van would be such a help.”The family is holding a fundraiser to raise money for the van on Saturday, March 28 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 177 Lynnfield St., Lynn.Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 and will be available at the door. Danielle said there would be a live band, raffles and an auction.”People will have the chance to meet and talk with Rob,” she said. “Please join us in trying to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible van so that in Rob’s words ‘he can escape his captivity once and awhile’ and enjoy the world around him like everyone else.”Donations may also be sent to Eastern Bank, C/O the Rob Schriefer Jr. Supplemental Trust Fund at Eastern Bank, 441 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176.