Disabled Teen Receives His First Car at Wis. Campground

GALESVILLE, Wisconsin — Caden Dahl was born with no right arm and a short left arm with two fingers. He also suffers from severe scoliosis and has endured numerous surgeries.

Despite these challenges, Caden has excelled in school, played football and runs cross country. He even painted a house with his toes. He recently landed a job working with a law firm in Arcadia, his hometown, and plans to attend an Ivy League university with the goal of becoming an attorney.

Caden has also been a tireless ambassador of the Gilbert Brown Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the former Green Bay football player and Super Bowl 31 champion who has supported more than 150 children’s charities. “Caden helps Gilbert raise money to help other kids,” said Heather Mares, Caden’s mom.

Unbeknownst to Caden, however, was one of the biggest surprises of his young life, which will took place Friday, June 16, at Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville, Wisconsin. That’s when Caden was presented with the gift of his first car, a 2017 Dodge Journey SE, courtesy of the Gilbert Brown Foundation, Gross Motors of Black River Falls, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, and the seasonal campers at Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville.

“We are delighted to help present Caden with this invaluable gift of a used car,” said dealership owner Mike Gross. “We believe that transportation should never hinder a young person’s access to education and personal development opportunities. By providing Caden with his first vehicle, we hope to inspire him to continue pursuing his dreams.”

In order to get the vehicle set up for Caden, Gross Motors  performed an oil change, rotated the tires, replaced the front struts, tested the battery and coolant, and thoroughly inspected the vehicle. Gross said his dealership will also provide Caden with a 24-month/24,000 mile Zurich Standard Warranty, which covers off of the powertrain components as well as parts of the suspension, steering, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems.

Gilbert Brown, for his part, has been helping Caden and his family since Caden was three months old, providing funding for his surgeries and gas cards in addition to organizing fundraising events to provide continued assistance. Caden, for his part, has developed a close bond with Gilbert, and embraced the Gilbert Brown Foundation because of its efforts to help other children in need.

“Caden has been ‘giving back’ to my foundation by sharing his story and by encouraging other children to make the best of every life situation,” Brown said, adding, “Caden is living proof that virtually every challenge can be overcome through hard work and persistence and simply believing in yourself.”

About the Gilbert Brown Foundation

The Gilbert Brown Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of children facing challenging circumstances. Through various programs and initiatives, the foundation aims to provide education, support and resources to empower young individuals and inspire hope for a brighter future. The foundation relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to make a lasting impact on the lives of children. To learn more about the foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.gilbertbrownfoundation.org.

About Gross Motors of Black River Falls

Gross Motors is a GMC dealership that provides a vast selection of new and used vehicles, exceptional car care and customer service with a smile. More information is available at www.grossblackriverfalls.com.

About the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners

The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) is the trade association that represents independently owned and operated campgrounds, RV parks and resorts in Wisconsin, including most of the family owned campgrounds in the state. The association hosts WisconsinCampgrounds.com, a travel planning website that features campgrounds, RV parks and resorts not typically listed on state or national park websites. The association also publishes a campground guide, which is available for free in digital and printed formats through  WisconsinCampgrounds.com.

About Champions Riverside Resort

Located in Galesville, Champions Riverside Resort is a 290-site campground that features RV and tent sites and cabins with loft units. Park amenities include a 1.5-acre pond with a floating climbing structures as well as three new land-based inflatables for children. Other amenities include a Wibet filled pond, swimming pool, a zipline, laser tag, a jumping pillow, barrel rides, and gagaball. Activities include music and sports celebrity appearances. More information is available at https://championsriversideresort.com/

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/disabled-teen-receives-his-first-car-at-wis-campground/