Mobility vehicle donated to shooting victim by Sanderson Ford
May 21, 2013, 6:38 AM | Updated: 1:42 pm
Jennifer Longdon and her then-fiancé David Rueckert were driving to a drive-through restaurant in 2004 when someone in another vehicle fired five shots and
sideswiped their truck.
One of those bullets severed Longdon’s spinal cord, Rueckert was blinded by one of the
bullets. The assailant was never found.
Longdon was left paralyzed and had parts of both lungs surgically removed. She has no sensation or
function from her chest down and no muscle power in her stomach or back to help her do things, such as, sit up.
She’s now a Realtor, specializing in finding homes for people with physical limitations.
The owners of Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln, David and Sue Kimmerle, recently heard about Longdon’s story and wanted to help.
They are presenting Longdon with a new Ford Transit Connect from the Sanderson Mobility Department.
Additional mobility equipment includes hand controls, Speedy Lift wheel chair lift, XL Exchange Board transfer seat and driver side rear power door.
“I wish we could help everyone in need — obviously this is impossible, but when I heard about Jennifer
and her quest to create more inclusion for people with disabilities and work towards finding a cure for
spinal cord injury, we were all in,” said David Kimmerle.
The Kimmerle’s will also be on the receiving end. Ford will be presenting them with Ford’s top awards for outstanding customer service and sales performance.
“It’s a special occasion when we present one or two of these awards to Ford dealers,” said Mark Witthar,
Regional Manager for Ford Motor Company. “Winning eight top
awards just doesn’t happen with the exception of Sanderson Ford. It’s an incredible accomplishment
and we’re proud to have Sanderson Ford represent Ford and our great products.”
Sanderson Ford is America’s Most Awarded Ford Dealership.
The presentation will take place Thursday, May 23 at 8 a.m. in the main Showroom at 6400 N 51st Avenue.
