Saugus man in contention to win new handicap accessible van

SAUGUS – Saugus resident Sandra Schriefer is asking for fellow Saugonians? help in trying to win a new handicap accessible van for her son, Robert.Robert Schriefer, 39, was diagnosed with a terminal neurological disorder 29 years ago and is confined to a wheelchair. Sandra Schriefer said their current van is old and falling apart. With the electric ramp broken, she said she has injured herself several times trying to lug around a portable ramp.?This is like Dancing With the Stars,” she said. “Everyone has to be voted for and the three with the most votes win. It?s nationwide as well as Canada. I just found about it late and he was only accepted last Wednesday. I?m hoping people will see and step up to the plate and vote. He?s my child ? we need a new van. The last one we got was 9 years old used.”The contest, called Life Moving Forward, is being held as a part of Mobility Awareness Month. Residents can visit Robert Schriefer’s page to cast their vote.In a video entry on the website, Sandra Schriefer said her son “loves life, likes to get out, loves the sun and loves Hampton Beach.”?It would be a pleasure to take Rob out when we want at any given moment and we can?t do that,” said Sandra Schriefer on Tuesday. “The only way he gets around is through The Ride.”While voting ends on Friday, Sandra Schriefer said she?s hoping a last-minute rush of votes can get her son to the top of the list.?It?s about quality of life,” she said. “If we can create so he?ll be one of those three, that would be awesome ? Unfortunately we?re both on Social Security, and we?re all spent out from helping Rob over the past 29 years. There?s just no money to do this.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].