A New Power-Lift Van for Jonathan

My name is Barbara Carmichael. I turned 68  on February, 2016. I've worked my whole life to take care of my now 38 year old, severely physically disabled son, Jonathan. He suffers from a very rare muscule disease called FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva), as well as a few other diseases.


Jonathan not only has FOP but also type 1 diabetes, 30% lung capacity, asthma, hypothyroidism, and scoliosis. He goes through random "flare ups" with FOP that cause loss of movement, tremendous pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Jonathan has had active FOP since age 7 and was diagnosed at 10. Since that time he's lost so much. He was diagnosed at 4 with diabetes. He's always been strong willed and not one to give up easily. He constantly struggles to keep positive and moving forward.


I started this page to try to raise money to buy a new minivan with a power lift for him. I was forced into early retirement just over 3 years ago after having a stroke myself, as well as now having Parkinson's disease which has prevented me from going back to work to further earn money to buy what he needs. Unfortunately, Jonathan's most recent disease flare up has greatly lowered his ability to care for himself.


Having to go into retirement put a heavy monetary limitation on how much I can provide for Jonathan. The current van we have is falling apart  and has reached the point of no longer being fixable. With both Jonathan's limitations and my own, I am know with your help this new van will bring some much needed relief for us both.


Jonathan rarely complains about what he goes through on a daily basis. I know having a reliable form of transportation would ease his struggles as well as bring me peace of mind. He has many doctors appointments, both with specialists, both  locally and out of our area. With his current vehicle we always worry if it will even start, let alone get us there and home safely.

He has many medical needs and we are forced to spend what little money we get on medical costs and converting things for him as needed. I wish I could provide him with more. This van will open up so many things for him.


The past 3 years have been extremely rough on him with loss of movement, constant pain, and one hardship after another. I hope to use this site to purchase him a bit of safety, comfort and relief. I hope you can help us out. Thank you so much in advance!

Barbara Carmichael