Tracee Garner, a Sterling resident and long time disabilities advocate, attended the launch of
Loudoun County Caregivers new Wheelchair-Assisted Transportation program on Nov. 1, and
was one of the first passengers to ride in the van.

The brand new $82,000 Mercedes van is equipped to hold multiple wheelchairs simultaneously
and will transport riders to medical appointments, grocery stores or other needed destinations for
free. “This is a huge, important step forward to improve the quality of life for people like me,”
Garner said, noting public transportation in Loudoun County does not operate after 7 p.m. or on
weekends. Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers helps the elderly and adults with disabilities maintain
independence and quality of life, and began raising funds for this program in 2017.

Photo: Audrey Carpenter