Happy Independence Day, y’all.
Fourth of July is easily one of my favorite holidays of the year, as summer is in full swing, grills are fired up, beers are flowing, and of course, the incredible “Put It In Reverse Terry” video is all over social media once again.
If you’re unfamiliar, Tennessee native Terry Davis became a viral sensation back on July 5th, 2017 when a video of lighting fireworks while in his wheelchair blew up (pun not intended, but I like it).
You can hear the person recording it telling him to “Back up Terry! Put it in reverse Terry!” as he tries to make sure Terry stays safe, meanwhile Terry is a boss and doesn’t even flinch as fireworks start shooting off all around him.
He suffered a serious spinal injury almost 15 years ago, causing him to be in a wheelchair, and unfortunately, doesn’t get any money from any merchandise sold with his name or likeness to help with medical bills and other life necessities.
But just in time for this years holiday, a GoFundMe page has been started for him, as Terry is currently in need of a new wheelchair-accessible van.
He of course needs it to get around and leave the house to do anything, and Winnie Wright, a journalist, shared a Facebook post on Friday saying that the fundraiser is an effort to help raise the $70,000 his family needs to purchase the new vehicle:
“This is your annual reminder that my dear friend Terry Davis, also known as ‘Back It Up
Terry’ does not get a single dollar from any merchandise sold with his name or likeness. This, despite years of effort.
If you love Terry and his family as much as I do, consider instead donating to their GoFundMe to purchase a new van so that Terry can back it up out of the driveway and get where he needs to go.”
Terry’s current van, according to the GoFundMe page, is “is broken beyond cost of repair,” and fans have previously helped raise money for him to get a new wheelchair and ramp, but of course, a van that needs so many special features and extra safety measures is extremely expensive.
If you feel so inclined, you can donate to Terry’s van fund HERE, and they have already gone over their goal of $70,000, with the amount currently sitting at $73,387.
Of course, I can’t leave you without this all-time great video, and here’s to an extra-special Fourth of July holiday and brand new wheelchair-accessible van for Mr. Terry:
