Sioux City Mother Launches Van Fundraiser for Daughter

Sara Michelle is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to transport her five-year-old daughter, Zuri May.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Special Needs

Sioux City Mother Launches Van Fundraiser for Daughter

Sioux City resident Sara Michelle has started a campaign to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for her daughter, Zuri May. The mother aims to raise $55,000 by Christmas to ensure the five-year-old can be transported safely as she grows.

Why it matters

The family requires the specialized vehicle because Zuri May is expected to outgrow being manually lifted. Any surplus funds will be donated to pediatric neurology and intensive care departments in Omaha.

The fundraising goal is $55,000 for a wheelchair-accessible van. Zuri May currently weighs 50 pounds and experiences seizures that can last between 15 and 20 minutes.

The players

Sara Michelle

She is a Sioux City resident and the founder of ZM Racing who is spearheading the fundraising campaign.

Zuri May

She is a five-year-old girl who has battled seizures and weakness on her right side since infancy.

The details

Sara Michelle launched the effort under the name ZM Racing and has already sold 75 shirts to generate proceeds. Zuri May, who enjoys watching car races at Park Jefferson Speedway, has faced health challenges since infancy, including a brain bleed at eight months old and persistent seizures.

Zuri May suffered her first seizures at 2.5 months old.
The brain bleed occurred when Zuri May was 8 months old.
The goal is to reach $55,000 by Christmas 2026.

Culture Shift

This effort highlights the persistent challenge families face in securing adaptive transportation to meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The campaign mirrors broader movements where local communities leverage social advocacy to provide specialized mobility solutions.

Supporters can contribute to the goal of $55,000 to assist the family with their upcoming vehicle purchase. The campaign relies on the sale of ZM Racing shirts to help cover the costs of the van.

The takeaway

Families with children who have complex medical needs often face significant logistical hurdles as their children grow larger. Early planning and community-driven fundraising remain essential pathways for families seeking to secure necessary adaptive medical equipment.