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Brendan Bjorn's van & care needs

REVISED GOAL 3 Sept 2017:

I am once again changing Brendan Bjorn's campaign to reflect only the need for a new wheelchair accessible van and other special care need costs. I have decided that the goal of a home is simply too unrealistic. I have seen other special needs families raise tens of thousand - even hundreds of thousand going over a million - toward medical, housing and care needs for their special needs baby and/or very young child. I recently wrote a piece that older children, such as my beautiful son, don't seem to resonate hope, and as such, don't garner the public support in fundraising campaigns that the younger babies/children do. It is heartbreaking, to be honest, but I am giving up on the goal of Brendan Bjorn's Bungalow. Some people have suggested it was wrong of me to even do and criticized me for trying. I was only following the lead and suggestion of others. But like I said, now I will give up on that hope. The fundraiser remains open for a new van and for other costs of items he needs which I simply cannot afford on my own. If by some miracle people donate enough for his bungalow, then a dream will come true of it's own volition. I want to publicly thank all of you who have so kindly donated to date toward this fundraiser. Your generosity has helped keep a roof over his head the past few months, as well as purchasing a new portable DVD player (his other one finally gave out) and he watches his movies daily on this new player. I've also used funds to buy new waterproof bed pillow covers for his pillows which he frequently soils. Again, my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported his cause over the past number of months. I wish you all many blessings in return. Tracy


Previous goal change...

   I have had a number of people suggest this van & ramp fundraiser be expanded to include raising funds to purchase a wheelchair accessible bungalow suitable for all of Brendan's many complex care needs. Reluctantly, I am doing so.  I have discovered the private rental market is just far too competitive for me to compete in, and the social housing wait list is upwards of 10 years or longer, so, I so this in hopes of providing to Brendan - and his little brother, Declan - a suitable home to call our own. "Brendan Bjorn's Bungalow"

Brendan needs to have a safe, suitable home complete with a wet room for his bathing needs, a ceiling hoist track system that goes from room to room, and a bedroom large enough for his medical bed and extensive supplies and equipment. I'm simply not going to find that in the rental market. And Declan, my caring little man who has to deal with so many challenges and sacrifices surrounding his brother's numerous special needs, deserves a secure home in which to create as many precious memories with Brendan as can, while he can, and without the worry of moving when a lease ends or a landlord wants to sell. So, it is with much humility that I extend and revise this fundraiser...for Brendan Bjorn, and for Declan...because they deserve the house I unfortunately (and embarrassingly) cannot afford to give them. 
- Tracy

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This page was created to receive funds for a trust to be established to help cover care costs for Brendan Bjorn McGinnis, who is a 12 year old severely disabled boy. His mother, Tracy, is a lone parent and full time carer to her precious son. The costs of caring for a severely disabled, medically complex child with profound care needs is tremendous.

This campaign page covers ALL items needed for Brendan, including an automatic transmission wheelchair accessible van (with also trading in their older 2007 manual van).

The updated, automatic transmission van being considered is a Ford Grand Tourneo at a cost of approximately €29,000. It is estimated that trade in of her older van will be worth approximately €4,500. It should be noted that Tracy suffers from rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. As well, she needs an operation on her left (ie: clutch) foot which would require months of being off her foot for recovery. As a carer to her son that recovery time is impossible, therefore she must get a van with automatic transmission so she can freely drive without pain. Currently, she is restricted due to the pain and only drives when absolutely necessary. 

 Costs such as these are overwhelming and unobtainable for a lone parent carer without help.

Thank you in advance for your generous donation to help Brendan have the best quality of life possible.

Organizer

Tracy McGinnis
Organizer

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