McCoy's Angel Network donates van to Villareal Family
His real name is Jose Ignacio Villareal, but all who know him call him Nachito. Although he sits in a wheelchair because he suffers from Muscular Dystrophy and is unable to do many of the things his fellow ninth graders at New Summerfield High School are able to do, his face holds a perpetual smile. Due to the persistence of the staff from the Cherokee County Special Education Cooperative and the generosity of Neal McCoy's Angel Network, his family now smiles a bit easier as well. On Friday, March 14, the Villareal family was surprised with a gift of a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan outfitted with a lift for Nachito.

Jose Ignacio Villareal

CCSEC staff members Harriet Page and Valerie Murray worked for years trying to get help for the family. They contacted many agencies for assistance and had the Villareals placed on the Muscular Dystrophy's waiting list. In November, the ladies heard about Neal McCoy's organization and requested an application. They assisted Mrs. Villareal with completing the application and were then contacted by Patsy Williams, Executive Director of the Angel Network and told that Nachito was eligible to receive assistance.

Murray explains, "It was going to cost several thousand dollars to buy a lift and modify a van. With the help of Mike Green at Access 2 Mobility in Tyler, we were able to get a used van already modified with a lift and Angel Network agreed to make the payments. Mike went out of his way to be helpful. Before the new van with lift was purchased, Nachito's mom has to manually push his wheelchair up a ramp, take the head rest to his wheelchair off, and gently tilt his head. It was quite a process. We are so thankful to Angel Network for their gift to Nachito and his family."

Nachito says of the new van and equipment, "I can go into the van myself. It's easier for my mom." As an added honor, Nachito will also be attending Neal McCoy's benefit concert in September.