A Montgomery County man battling ALS is now able to get to his medical appointments in a specialized van nicknamed “The Bear,” after a local nonprofit finished converting a donated vehicle into a fully wheelchair-accessible ride this month. Ben Dennis, 48, was diagnosed with ALS, and the transformation has been swift and cruel: he went from running three miles a day to needing a wheelchair within less than a year.
The vehicle donation, completed this month by Conroe-based charity Support Mission, capped a months-long community effort that began in June 2026, when reporter Randy Wallace at FOX 26 Houston first told viewers about the nonprofit's need for $6,100 to repair, modify, and rebuild a donated vehicle so it could safely transport Dennis. That coverage triggered a wave of viewer contributions that closed the funding gap and let Support Mission finish the job. Dennis has said he wants to spend his remaining time advocating for ALS awareness and research, and the station's report notes the finished van now allows him to attend medical appointments and continue that community outreach.
Why a Van Costs So Much to Convert
The price tag behind stories like this one can be steep. Costs for wheelchair-accessible vans vary, and conversion expenses depend on the modifications and vehicle parts involved, according to Newby-Vance Mobility.
Traditional Medicare generally does not cover the purchase price of wheelchair-accessible vans, though in some states it may provide partial assistance with conversion costs or transportation, per Newby-Vance Mobility. Medicare may cover some durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, but vehicle coverage remains a challenge for families, which is why nonprofits like Support Mission can help fill a gap.
A Disease With Rising Numbers and Catastrophic Costs
ALS is most commonly diagnosed in people between 55 and 75, according to CDC surveillance data updated in November 2024, which makes Dennis's diagnosis at 48 notably young. ALS is a progressive disease.
The financial burden on families is enormous. The ALS Association estimates that caring for someone living with ALS can require up to $250,000 per year in out-of-pocket expenses once medical treatment, home modifications, and specialized mobility aids are factored in.
Community Efforts Address Mobility Needs
Support Mission's donation to Dennis follows a pattern of Houston-area organizations stepping up on mobility access; a Houston charity delivered 98 vans to families across the region earlier this year.
