Local girl with rare disease gets wheelchair van after community rallies hundreds of donations

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV)-We have a heartwarming update about a story we brought you just a few weeks ago! Brighton is a three-year-old girl with a rare mitochondrial disease and she is about to step into a whole new way of life.

This was made possible by the outpouring of love and support from her community.

In just a matter of weeks, more than $30,000 was raised through GoFundMe to give 3-year-old Brighton a van that would offer her the life-changing gift of freedom. Now, her new van sits in the driveway — ready to take her anywhere.

Brighton was born with Leigh Syndrome, a rare, progressive, and terminal mitochondrial disease that affects her muscles, brain, and ability to breathe on her own. She depends on a ventilator, has a trach and GJ feeding tube, and requires 24/7 care.

In their SUV, it took 30-45 minutes to load and unload Brighton and her long list of medical equipment, but with the van, it only takes five.

The first place they went in the van was to get Mexican food.

For so long, leaving the house was a challenge for Brighton — every outing came with stress, planning, and exhaustion. But now, with her new van, the world is opening up to her. Her family can’t wait to share her light with everyone they meet, and to watch her discover the world in return.

Brighton’s parents, Josh and Kelly Price, are extremely grateful for the generosity of those touched by their daughter’s story. They’re excited to finally experience life on the go as a full family.