Caliber Collision has announced that its gifting of a specially refurbished and modified van for 10-year-old Dominic “The Dominator” Cumo – the youngest person to be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – will be featured on an upcoming episode of the popular West Coast Customs television show on Sunday, Dec. 27th at 7 p.m. PST/10 p.m. EST on Fox Sports 2.
Dominic’s new ride is courtesy of Caliber and the Auto Club of Southern California as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program where auto body repair facilities, insurance companies, and others in the collision industry team up to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals in need.
The original 2012 Chrysler Town & Country van was donated by the Auto Club and repaired by technicians at Caliber’s Chino Valley, Calif., location who volunteered personal time as a community service. West Coast Customs joined the effort by installing a wheelchair lift, custom wheels, television and other interior upgrades.
Despite his debilitating and degenerative illness, Dominic has always had a positive and cheerful spirit, eager for new experiences. The Recycled Rides van donation will provide him with more opportunities to enjoy his favorite activities – traveling, football games, music concerts and visiting firefighters.
The customized van will also provide comfortable transportation for the frequent 60-mile commutes from the family’s home in Apple Valley, Calif., to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, which nominated the family for the Recycled Rides vehicle donation.
“We are thrilled to work with West Coast Customs to bring the national spotlight to the invaluable impact our collision industry has in providing reliable transportation for those in need through the Recycled Rides program,” said David Goldstein, Caliber Collision senior vice president of operations. “Most important, we are honored to be able to provide Dominic with this gift of transportation so he can indulge in life to its fullest.”
The surprise van presentation to Dominic was filmed in October at the West Coast Customs studio in Burbank.
“When we first heard about Dominic and his courageous spirit, we immediately wanted to be part of this project and help make this vehicle special for a family in need,” said West Coast Customs Founder and CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus. “It was a pleasure to work with Caliber Collision and AAA to put something amazing together for such an inspiring young man.”
The upcoming West Coast Customs television episode also includes a nostalgic tour by Friedlinghaus of his former shop in Corona and preview of renovation plans by Caliber Collision, which purchased the facility for its new Corona location.
