As Brad Soden, a combat veteran, worked for years to make a wheelchair that would fit his wife, he was most moved by her tears. Because she was mostly disabled in a car accident three months before their wedding, Liz Soden was always angry that she couldn’t go on family hikes and camping trips with their five kids. Brad was determined to make a difference.
As Brad Soden, a combat veteran, worked for years to make a wheelchair that would fit his wife, he was most moved by her tears.
Because she was mostly disabled in a car accident three months before their wedding, Liz Soden was always angry that she couldn’t go on family hikes and camping trips with their five kids.
Brad was determined to make a difference.
Brad told Matt Lauer on TODAY on Thursday, “You make her cry, and that motivates me.” She said, “I’ll make it happen.”
Brad, a plumber, overcame many challenges to make a wheelchair with treads that look like those on a tank that is strong enough to go off-road and over rough terrain in mountains. He didn’t have a college degree or any engineering experience.
Check out how the “Tankchair” was made.
This led to the creation of the “Tankchair,” which gave Liz the freedom she wanted and quickly became Brad’s full-time job.
Lauer asked Liz, “Is there somewhere I could go trekking and camping?” “I used to sit in the car when we went to the snow.” Now I’m able to go outside with my kids and chase them around. I’m no longer locked up in the car or at home; I’m just getting up and leaving.
Tankchairs are considered recreational vehicles, so insurance companies don’t cover them. However, Brad plans to give them away for free to veterans who have been hurt. Veterans who are disabled like the chair, which costs between $12,000 and $15,000 and can go up to 30 miles per hour. There is a three-month wait list for new ones.
