Hot Wheels for Roberto's Hot Peanuts

I am trying to raise $30,000 to buy a used lift-van for a dear friend and neighbor who has ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. My name is Kate Manizade, and I live down the block, and have watched this disease attack our friend and neighbor.

His name is Robert Ortiz, he has a wife and three children, and needs this van to get to doctor's appointments and to get out and about using his power-chair. A used Toyota or Honda handicapped-compatible van starts around $30k. Robert didn't ask me to do this, but when I asked him to let me do it, he said "Ok".


Robert is seen here with his wife, children and mother-in-law. As you can see, he has a lot to live for, just as long as he can!

I am also posting a link to a video about him that you can view on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWhca8aykUg&list=PLB7B771EBBD3A6D76

This video was made last year by Communications major Jonas Gottlieb at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. Since then the disease has advanced to where Robert cannot use his legs.We don't know how much time Robert has left, but the typical ALS victim survives for 2 to 5 years after diagnosis.

Please donate whatever you can spare for this van, and whether or not you can afford to donate money, please donate your prayers that he will be healed of this terrible disease!

Thank you!