The Blue Goose Gallery of Artists reports that longtime Westwood woodturning artist John Cox is seeking donations from the community to help purchase an accessible vehicle for his son, who has paraplegia.
John has been an artist at Blue Goose Gallery since 2016; his wife Jan has been a volunteer and art angel during that time. Their adult son Sean was rearended in a very bad car accident in July 2025. As a result, Sean is now paralyzed from his chest down and can no longer work at his job, walk, drive or live as he has in the past. The accident has changed every aspect of his life, and he is still recovering from its effects, said John.
To make things even more challenging, Sean’s wife is unable to drive due to medical reasons, which has made daily life and getting to important appointments incredibly difficult.
John said that Sean is hoping to one day be able to drive again using hand controls in a vehicle that will allow this freedom. Having a vehicle that accommodates his wheelchair would mean he could get to his doctors’ appointments, attend physical therapy, shop for groceries and even look for new work opportunities, since returning to his previous job is no longer possible.
Sean has explored options for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but the cost is far beyond what the Cox family can manage alone, said John. “As you probably know, such vehicles are expensive — even the used ones. So we, his mother and father, set up a GoFundMe program in order to raise some of the money to help him see his dream come true.”
Any help the community can provide will make a meaningful difference for Sean and the Cox family as they navigate this new chapter, said John, helping Sean regain some independence and improve his quality of life “in ways that are hard to put into words.”
“We appreciate very much every contribution — large or small — that comes in and helps him get closer to driving once again,” said John and Jan.
Sean sends this message to everyone: “I am so grateful, let alone amazed by these wonderful people of my life that have contributed to my well-being to help me be more active and feel more like myself! Thank you!”
The Blue Goose Gallery of Artists is open Fridays and Saturdays during the winter, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located at 289 Clifford Drive, Lake Almanor.
