An incredible gift for a local family struggling to overcome a terrible tragedy: Today the Diviney family of Ashburn received a specially equipped van from Koons Automotive Companies.
Kari Diviney sent letters to several automobile dealers in the area. Only Koons responded.
Ryan Diviney has been in a vegetative state since a severe beating three years ago while attending West Virginia University.
It happened in November 2009 in Morgantown after an encounter with other students who had been partying.
Ryan was hit from behind, knocked to the ground, and kicked in the head.
His jaw was broken and his skull was fractured in two places. He was bleeding from his brain.
He never threw a punch.
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Two of the attackers were convicted in the case.
He's now under the care of his family at home, in an "eyes-open" vegetative state.
Because the family had no vehicle to accommodate Ryan, they would need an ambulance to take him to his doctor appointments and they had no way to take him other places.
They believe the donated vehicle will help in Ryan's recovery.
Jack Rallinghoff, the general manager of Koons, said the decision to provide the van was an easy one.
More about Ryan's story can be found on the website the family maintains. It's http://ryansrally.org.
