Neighbor donates $70,000 minivan to help family with disabled daughter

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A 13- year-old Alameda girl living with a debilitating disorder got a huge surprise on Thursday.

Izzy Penston has been featured before on ABC7 News. Since the last broadcast, it is getting harder for her to move around and she's now in a wheelchair.

On Thursday, she and her family went home with something that will make their lives a lot easier.

"It's super! It's super," claimed Izzy Penston speaking of her family's new super van designed especially for them.

Izzy has Friedreich's ataxia, a rare, debilitating disease that causes loss of coordination and balance, and fatigue. She can no longer walk without assistance. And there is no cure or treatment.

One of the Prenston's neighbors, Brad Barnett, watched the ABC7 News story about Izzy. He owns the dealership One Toyota of Oakland. "I've seen them and know them and when I saw that there was a need, it was something we are really passionate about," said Barnett.

Toyota and a company called Mobility Works paid to upgrade the minivan for the Penston's, to accommodate Izzy and her wheelchair. This new van is worth $70,000.

"Toyota makes the chassis. It's like a regular van... then the conversion company cuts the floor out, raises the chassis and makes the wheelchair accessible ramp," explained Bill Burris of Toyota Mobility.

Until now, her parents have had to help Izzy get in and out of their van. "I cried. It's beautiful, it's perfect. My back has been paying the price. This is going to change my life," said Zoe Penston, Izzy's mom.

"Getting ready for school in the morning, I can just roll in the car, instead of climbing in it," says Izzy.

The van was showcased at AT&T Park on Thursday where the family was also invited to a Giants game.

As Giants fans, watching the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks made for an even better day.