Triangle businesses help a Durham family that needs wheelchair van

DURHAM (WTVD) -- We first heard of the Mills Family from a Facebook message trying to get votes to win a wheelchair accessible van for their two sons Jack and Luke. Sadly, they didn't win, but ABC11 viewers have stepped up to help the family in a big way.[br /] [br /]Jack and Luke Mills are two brothers, just seven and five. They were both born with the same extremely rare genetic mutation.[br /] [br /]"Jack and Luke require total care. They don't sit up on their own. They don't walk," said the boy's mother, Arden Mills. "They're non-verbal. They don't communicate their wants and needs, which can be difficult."[br /] [br /]Arden is a Durham Public Schools teacher and her husband Adam Mills keeps busy taking care of their sons' needs. A new obstacle they're facing is with the boys growing and getting bigger, it's tough to carry the boys from their wheelchairs into their car seats in the Mills small SUV. They desperately need a wheelchair accessible van, so the two boys can just be wheeled into the van.[br /] [br /]After ABC11 viewers found out the Mills did not win the van, donations started to pour in as the van is expensive, about $60,000. A [url HREF="http://www.gofundme.com/JackLuke" TARGET="new" REL="nofollow"]Go Fund Me page[/url] is collecting funds for the van and the North Carolina Epilepsy Foundation is also collecting funds. So far more than $28,000 has been raised.[br /] [br /]"It's amazing all of this has happened just from sharing our story. I am overwhelmed and very grateful," Arden said.[br /][br /]And that's not all. Kim Carpenter owns "Turn Key Events" and is organizing a big fundraiser for the Mills on October 11 at Creekside Elementary School in Durham. [br /] [br /]"We are selling BBQ tickets, we are going to have t-shirt sponsors, anything anyone can help with, we greatly appreciate it," Carpenter said. [br /][br /]Several Triangle businesses are stepping up as well. Massage Envy is a grand sponsor of the fundraiser and donated $1,500.[br /][br /]"I just heard about it on ABC11 and thought it was a great cause," one of the owners of Massage Envy Christie Meyers said. "I was especially touched that the mom was a teacher and the dad had to stay home with the kids, so they're a family that definitely needs help."[br /][br /]Meyers said they get a lot of requests for help, but the Mills Family stood out to her and owner Cherry Gibbs. [br /][br /]"We try and standout in the community and be supportive in the community, because the community has been supportive of us," Gibbs said. "I hope they get everything they need and they can take care of their boys the way they need to."[br /][br /]The European Wax Center is also helping with the fundraiser. The business is a platinum sponsor by donating $500 to the event. [br /][br /]"We were really touched by their strength," said Ashleigh Severn, with European Wax Center. "We really wanted to help provide transportation for their boys and we really wish them the best."[br /][br /]As others continue to donate, more people are following suit. Williams Coating of Durham donated $1,000 as a sponsor of the fundraising event. [br /][br /]The outpouring of support touches the Mills. [br /] [br /]"It's unbelievable, I'm actually shocked that it's actually happening and so many people are reaching out and so many people are helping because we definitely couldn't have done it by ourselves," Arden said. [br /][br /]The [url HREF="http://www.tkeventsnc.com/mills-family-fundraiser.html[br /]" TARGET="new" REL="nofollow"]Mills Family Fundraiser[/url] is set for October 11 at Creekside Elementary School on Ephesus Church Road in Durham - come out and join the fun. Carpenter is still looking for event sponsors, volunteers and any help you can offer.[br /][br /]The Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina has also stepped in to help collect donations. They have a "Circle of Care" program where people can donate to a specific cause for a family. [br /][br /]The Mills Family now has a fund set up through the foundation, and you can mail a check made out to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina and send to Patricia Gibson's attention - 100% of your donation will go to the cause. Your donation must state Circle of Care. Donations are tax deductible.[br /][br /]Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina[br /]Attention: Patricia Gibson/Director[br /]Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A[br /]1920 West First Street[br /]Winston Salem, North Carolina 27104[br /] [br /][b][url HREF="http://dig.abclocal.go.com/wtvd/docs/report_a_typo.html"]Report a Typo[/url][/b][br /] [br /]