Special needs family Can't receive aid - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Government says Chicago family with special seeds kids can't receive aid

Like so many others out there in these tough economic times, a Chicago family is feeling the middle class pinch.

They have two special needs children and are in desperate need for handicapped accessible van. The problem is, the government said they make too much money to qualify for any kind of public assistance.

So they're turning to their family, friends and even perhaps some strangers to be their guardian angels.

It's getting harder all the time for Bill Higgins to transport his son, who currently weighs in at 105 pounds and is still growing.

Joey, 9, is totally dependent in mom and dad for pretty much everything.

"I have to feed him, change him," Higgins said. "Pretty much everything you can do I have to do for him."

Maeve, 4, is missing part of her brain and has Cerebral Palsy.

Thirteen years ago, Ann and Bill Higgins met, and it was love at first sight. Today, Bill is a cop and Ann is a nurse.

Having to pay for the kids' ongoing medical costs, assisted care, a house, groceries and so much more, has put a strain on their budget. This family is made out of love but not money.

They are like many Americans just getting by these days. They can't get public assistance because in the eyes of the government they make too much money.

There's only one thing they need, but can't afford. That's a handicapped accessible van.

They hope to change that they're having a fundraiser in hopes of buying that van. You can help them by voting for them in an online contest as well.

Joe and Maeve's fundraiser is called Journey of a Thousand Miles, which will take place Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. 

All proceeds from the event will go to buying Joey a wheelchair van and paying off both kids' medical expenses.