Fundraiser earned $900 to help purchase van for Carson High student

A fundraiser held on Friday evening for Jared Dempsey, a 16-year-old Carson High School student who has cerebral palsy and is a quadriplegic, raised about $900.

Friends and family, along with Carson High students and staff, organized the event at McDonald's to help raise money to buy a specially equipped van to transport him to school, therapy, doctor appointments, recreational and social activities. It will cost $32,000.

As Jared has grown, it has become impossible for his caregivers or mother to carry Jared safely.

He's facing medical problems that have been causing him pain, and lifting and moving Jared around too much causes him even greater pain.

Jared will be having major surgery, and it will be necessary to transport Jared to and from California to his doctor appointments.

This is why Jared needs a van with a power lift.

Jared volunteers at ComputerCorps and was a 2006 Point of Light winner for his work there.

"Dempsey is a person with disabilities who is giving back to the community through technology," reads the Point of Light Web site. "He is a very special person who was spotlighted in the No Computer Left Behind Program, a special initiative through the partnership with AmeriCorps and ComputerCorps in Nevada."

Jared has helped with time and efforts to change the accessibility issue that Carson City faces.

"Jared has a great personality and a smile that will melt your heart," wrote his mother, Virginia Dempsey.

An account has been set up at Greater Nevada Credit Union, account no. 874020. All checks need to be made out to CHS for Jared Dempsey Fund.