ALTHOUGH she can't say so verbally, Gabby Nappa is expressing her excitement in sounds and body language at the prospect of going for a drive.
Thanks to the efforts of her mother, Naovy, and Hurstville Rotary Club, as well as the generosity of strangers — Gabby, 17, is no longer housebound.
The family received a shiny Toyota Tarago passenger van, which was specially converted to accommodate Gabby's wheelchair.
Gabby was six weeks old when she was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy that left her with severe disabilities.
Gabby is totally reliant on her mum to get about.
But the van Mrs Nappy used for Gabby's transport broke down 2½ years ago, forcing the family to rely on taxis and the occasional loan of a van from St George Special School, Kogarah, which Gabby attends.
Getting Gabby to her various medical appointments via taxi involved a lot of lifting, causing Mrs Nappa to get back problems.
A wheelchair-accessible car is not something the government will provide even if it is a necessity — nor is it something you can just go out and buy. It requires a lot of effort and money.
"I thought, 'I better start fund-raising'," she said.
While doorknocking for sponsors and donations, Mrs Nappa, a single mother of four, hooked up with Hurstville Rotary at their book shop in Oatley West and her burden became somewhat lighter.
President Bernie Dolan said the club was keen to raise the necessary funds as quickly as possible, so a committee was set up to organise fund-raisers, such as dinners and trivia nights.
"And with generous donations collected from supporters, a total of $72,000 was raised, which was the amount required to complete the project, all in just 12 months," Mr Dolan said.
The club then hunted around for a suitable vehicle and for someone to do the wheelchair conversion at a reasonable price.
"We had quotes upward of $40,000 and we ended up with one for $18,000," Mr Dolan said.
For Mrs Nappa, it's a case of "wow, freedom at last".
"Gabby loves long drives with the music turned up high," she said.
"She's a typical teenager — loves the top 40 songs, swimming and her toys."