'I Want To Go Everywhere I Can:' Specialized Van Donated To LI Brothers With Rare Disease

CENTERREACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two brothers who both have a rare spinal disease will now be able to travel from place to place thanks to a special gift.

Five-year-old Nicholas Accardi and his 4-year-old brother, Tyler, were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and sit in motorized wheelchairs.

But their mother said until now, they could not make trips to stores or doctors appointments with ease.

"They haven't had independence," ToniAnn Accardi said.

On Thursday, Long Island Home Builders Care Inc. donated a specialized van to the family. It has a lift, allowing the boys' wheelchairs to be securely transported.

"I can take them out," Accardi said. "I asked both of them what's the first place you want to go? My one son said Toys 'R' Us, which is exactly what you'd expect a 4-year-old to say, and my 5-year-old said Stop & Shop because daddy goes shopping every Sunday night and he wants to go with him."

With big smiles on their faces, the boys said they can't wait to go for a ride.

"I want to go everywhere I can," Nicholas said.

Accardi said she wants to spread awareness about SMA.

"My kids are just like any other kids, they want to play," Accardi said. "There's a certain fight that they have that they've taught us so much. They love life. They've shown us just what unconditional love means."