Disabled Vet Needs Your Help!

My name is Tom Johnson. I was attached to the 540th Transportation Group at Qui Nhon South Viet Nam. I was an aircraft electrician and crewman between 1968 and 1970, twenty-three months. I also drove a truck into the valley for supplies. By the time that I left I was promoted to Specialist 5th Grade and leader of my shop.

My two granddaughters. This is a main reason why I need the mobility van. Oh sure, missing doctor appointments is horrible, but missing my grandaughters is far worse.




The following story will describe why I need help. I urgently require a mobility van.The reason I need this vehicle is due to my medical challenges. I'm unable to stand or walk. Now at 70 years old I suffer from End Stage Renal failure plus an extensive list of other medical challenges. In short my kidneys have stopped working. I require three, four and half hours dialysis treatments per week. These treatments are needed to maintain my life. Without them I would pass within short order. Who knows the exact cause of their failure, but the years of medication to control my pain due to arthritis and pain related to my pituitary gland tumor is the best bet.

Starting in about 1974 my medical problems started to grow, affecting everything from my daily communications with family and friends to my employment.

To the point, our finaces were left in disaray after paying for my medicals bills. We had bills after paying the out of pockets demands of the exams, tests and procedures. I was having tests at least one to three times per week. Oh and don't forget the prescriptions. In the early time my insurance wasn't the best. I mean the 80% paid was great, but when we had to pay the 20% when I was making less that $10 per hour was a big demand.

We paid off our debt, and at least we were never late. Except for our large debt to income ratio our credit score was good. In 2012 we got a hold on things. Put our finaces in line. In 2013 we finally down sized, but even that hurt. We sold our large two story house at over a $30,000 loss. Our checking, savings and credit accounts were slim or in ruins. Finacially we were not in the greatest of shape. And now at this late stage of my life I require this special vehicle and there is no way to pay for it. Oh sure we could take out another loan, but I do not want to put my wife in that mess again. Going into debt at my age is not an option. So,  this is why I'm asking for your help.

My poor health has hindered our family for nearly 50 years. And yet my wonderful wife has been by my side all the way. She has taken time off of work to wait the long hours while I was having my many surgeries. And then and now she is the best of caregivers. Everyday she gets up at 5:30 AM to give me medications and prepare my breakfast, seven days a week. I have told her that I can do this, but she says that she wants to help me.

My first surgery was is January 1980 to remove my  pituitary gland. This gland is sometimes known as the master gland and is located directlwy  behind the eyes at the base of the brain. After that my next surgery wasn't until 1994. My spine was growing together or pinching the spinal chord in the lumbar area. This was what was causing me to lose control of my walking. This did help, but the pain remained.

After that I started having a surgerey every few months. Two more back surgeries, both sholder joints replaced, both knee joints replaced, left hip joint replaced, my left jaw joint replaced, well over 20 smaller surgeries.

STORY TO BE CONTINUED LATER. THANK YOU.



Please donate to my fund so that I can purchase this specialized transportation. Every little bit helps. The money is guaranteed to be used only for the purposes described.  I have set up a separate account so that these funds can be monitored. There is also an on-site tally box to keep me accountable. Any unused donated funds will be given to my local VFW, American Legion or the Wounded Warrior Project

If you feel uncomfortable submitting anything on-line or with a credit card please send donations to:

 Tom’s Mobility Van
238 Pioneer Circle
Pickerington, OH 43147-7830

Make checks or money orders out to Tom Johnson with the note, Mobility Van

Thank you very much. Your help is appreciated. May God Bless You.

Finally, please leave a comment. Is there something else I could have done better, say with description or perhaps I'm saying too much. Tell me what you think. Once again, thank you for your support. My success depends on you.