TYLER (KYTX) – A Tyler teenager has dreams of playing professional basketball one day, but he’s got some significant challenges.

A basketball wheelchair to reach his dream

With your help, he may be able to reach his “I played basketball through high school and everything so I really loved the sport,” said Austin Griffin. He needs a basketball wheelchair.

Griffin fell asleep behind the wheel and was in an accident a year ago in Mineola. His truck flipped over three times, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

His family is encouraging him to keep going.

“I feel like no matter what, all of his plans he had before… whatever he still wants to do he can still do,” said Patrick Wilson, Austin’s dad.

Wilson pushed Austin to get back on the court.

He plays for a wheelchair team, but he needs a special chair to get around the court.

“When I heard about him playing basketball and he needed a chair, I was thinking maybe that’s something we can help him do,” said Susan Harris, Access 2 Mobility.

How Access 2 Mobility can help

Access 2 Mobility specializes in getting people with disabilities the equipment they need. Options range from sports and power wheelchairs to accessible vans. In Austin’s case, his wheelchair is a bit pricey.

The wheelchair is $8,000 and he says he can’t afford it.

“When someone has a positive attitude and they keep on going, you know he has goals and dreams and he keeps on going no matter what’s come in front of him, so I hope people see that or will give,” said Harris.

Harris is just one of many at Access 2 Mobility reaching out to help. This young man sees no limit to how far he can go. Even when routes change.

“You can still do what you’d like and love to do and follow your dreams if you want,” said Harris.

If you’d like to donate to help Austin, donate here: