In a moving story of love and tenacity, battle veteran Brad Soden worked arduously for years to create an innovative wheelchair for his wife, Liz Soden. Liz’s anger at not being able to participate in family activities like hikes and camping vacations because of a serious injury she sustained in a car accident three months prior to their wedding served as the impetus for the project.
Brad said on Thursday’s TODAY with Matt Lauer, “I’m motivated when you make her cry,” because he wants to improve Liz’s life. I’ll put it into action.” Brad, a plumber by trade, overcome many obstacles to build a wheelchair with treads resembling tanks that can go over rough terrain and across mountains, even though he had no formal engineering training or degree.
The “Tankchair,” as Brad called his clever invention, turned became his full-time project and gave Liz the freedom she had long desired. Liz told Lauer how happy she was, stating, “I could go camping and trekking. I used to sit in the car when we drove to the snow. I can now go outside with my kids and chase them around. I just walk and go out; I’m no longer a prisoner in the automobile or at home.”
The Tankchair’s tread pattern is inspired by a tank, giving it resilience for off-road exploration. Brad revealed that there were a few fires throughout the development phase, but they were put out right away.
But even with the Tankchair’s popularity, the money side proved difficult. Tankchairs are classified as recreational vehicles and are not insurance-covered. The chairs, which may cost anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 and have a three-month waiting list for new orders, are becoming more and more popular among disabled people, particularly veterans.
Recognising the profound effect that a device like this can have on injured warriors’ life, Brad has the kind intention of giving Tankchairs away for free. With a top speed of thirty miles per hour, the chair has become a ray of hope for wounded fighters who want more freedom and movement.
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