SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego community rallied to provide a life-changing upgrade for a 9-year-old boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, replacing his family's old adaptive van with a newer vehicle equipped with a motorized ramp that will eliminate the need for his mother to manually lift him in and out of the car.

Eddie Garcia, a fourth-grader at Linda Vista Elementary, received the new van thanks to a coordinated effort between CBS 8 viewers, local business owners and mobility specialists. The project began when Chris Smith, who is married to Eddie's teacher, painted a special race track on the school's playground to help the boy feel more included during recess.

"We started with just wanting to help him have a better day at school," said Chris Smith.

Smith suggested that San Diegans support a fundraiser to help Eddie. CBS 8 viewer Brad Chapin and his son Jonathan learned about Eddie's story and asked how they could help. CBS 8 connected them with Sean Petersen at Golden Boy Mobility, a company that has previously worked with the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

"It's such an amazing thing, and it's the best part of my day and the best part of what we do, every day I get to wake up and know we made a difference in someone's life," said Sean Petersen.

Petersen, Chapin, and Vania, Eddie's single mother, combined donations and worked out favorable terms that allowed the family to upgrade to a newer van with the motorized ramp.

"Thankfully, my son and I happened to be flipping through channels and watching the CBS local news. I saw your story and I have never been so moved in my life," said Chapin.

Eddie's mother expressed her gratitude for the community support.

"It's amazing what a community can do, thanks to you, thanks to Brad who helped us, thanks to Sean, to everyone involved I really do appreciate it," said Vania.

For Eddie, the impact was equally profound. "Without Mr. Smith's help, this would not be happening," said Eddie.

Smith reflected on the experience, saying, "It's the best thing I've ever been a part of."

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The motorized ramp now allows Vania to no longer manually lift Eddie into the vehicle, giving the boy greater independence and mobility. The new van has also become a "party wagon" for Eddie that he can share with his cousins.

"If my cousins want to ride, they can just ride back here," said Eddie.

Fundraising continues for Eddie and his mother to help pay for the upgraded van. Those interested in contributing can click here.