Help Muriel get care - Needs a van
Donation protected
The Story: On August 29, Muriel's handicapped-accessible van cranked its last, exactly ten years to the day since Hurricane Katrina displaced her from New Orleans, destroyed the home she loved, and almost killed her. Muriel was at home alone when the levees failed in 2005, and floodwaters came in at an alarming rate. She knew that the powered wheelchair she depended on would be inoperable if the batteries got wet. The time-consuming process of moving herself from that chair into her manual wheelchair could never be completed before the water overcame her. Suddenly, Muriel sensed a presence, although not another soul was there. She felt invisible arms encircle her, lifting her up and moving her into the manual chair. Without a moment to spare, she was able to make it to the door and flag down neighborhood men, chest deep in water themselves, who found a boat and rescued her. After a harrowing night on the second floor of another house, the Coast Guard arrived to get her to safety.
Muriel and Vicky, pictured above, had no connection with one another, until Hurricane Katrina brought them together. After Muriel's truly miraculous rescue from the rapidly rising and deadly waters, she was taken to Houston TX. She soon had to accept that, as a woman of 85 confined to a wheelchair due to post-polio syndrome
paralysis, she would not be able to rebuild her house and return to New Orleans. She had no family and no idea what to do. During this difficult time, Vicky and her Bible study friends in Baton Rouge, LA were encouraging and loving Muriel through cards, phone calls, and gifts. They had never met Muriel, but when they heard her amazing story, they wanted to help. A bond quickly formed, and soon Vicky was moved to invite Muriel to live with her.
Ten years later, Muriel still lives with Vicky, made possible by the many volunteers who renovated her home to accommodate a wheelchair. Vicky has unselfishly cared for Muriel for a decade, including everything from the most menial of tasks, to all of her medical and social needs. Now we're hoping that we can give back to thank her, and to provide for Muriel at this time. The need to replace the dead 16-year-old van is immediate and critical. Muriel recently fell, breaking her lower leg in three places and requiring a cast for six months, making her care even more difficult. A van that can accommodate a wheelchair is a necessity for Muriel’s frequent doctors' appointments and for her continued quality of life, especially since she is still so mentally sharp and determined to live. Vicky and Muriel don’t have the resources to replace the van, so once again Muriel needs the help of others. Katrina and polio couldn’t stop Muriel, and we don’t want this to stop her either!
About Muriel: Muriel has lived quite a life. She sang and entertained with the USO on a ship along the East Coast in the 1940s. She was a model in her twenties as well, before the polio diagnosis, and even featured on a magazine cover. An accomplished artist, Muriel has sold many of her works, including oil paintings, her favorite medium. She is hilarious, with a playful sense of humor (see cow photo above), and was a wonderful cook while she was still able. When considering her miraculous Katrina survival story, and the incredible provision she’s received from strangers and friends, Muriel often says, “I must be God’s favorite child.”
About Vicky: Vicky is a mental health professional, in practice for nearly thirty years. She teaches Bible studies frequently, has written a study titled, "The Emotions of God," and is a soprano in her church chorale. She has become an artist since Muriel arrived to be her oil painting mentor. Vicky's sly sense of humor definitely rivals that of Muriel, and her willingness to give sacrificially is humbling, and an inspiration to many.
Muriel and Vicky, pictured above, had no connection with one another, until Hurricane Katrina brought them together. After Muriel's truly miraculous rescue from the rapidly rising and deadly waters, she was taken to Houston TX. She soon had to accept that, as a woman of 85 confined to a wheelchair due to post-polio syndrome
paralysis, she would not be able to rebuild her house and return to New Orleans. She had no family and no idea what to do. During this difficult time, Vicky and her Bible study friends in Baton Rouge, LA were encouraging and loving Muriel through cards, phone calls, and gifts. They had never met Muriel, but when they heard her amazing story, they wanted to help. A bond quickly formed, and soon Vicky was moved to invite Muriel to live with her.
Ten years later, Muriel still lives with Vicky, made possible by the many volunteers who renovated her home to accommodate a wheelchair. Vicky has unselfishly cared for Muriel for a decade, including everything from the most menial of tasks, to all of her medical and social needs. Now we're hoping that we can give back to thank her, and to provide for Muriel at this time. The need to replace the dead 16-year-old van is immediate and critical. Muriel recently fell, breaking her lower leg in three places and requiring a cast for six months, making her care even more difficult. A van that can accommodate a wheelchair is a necessity for Muriel’s frequent doctors' appointments and for her continued quality of life, especially since she is still so mentally sharp and determined to live. Vicky and Muriel don’t have the resources to replace the van, so once again Muriel needs the help of others. Katrina and polio couldn’t stop Muriel, and we don’t want this to stop her either!
About Muriel: Muriel has lived quite a life. She sang and entertained with the USO on a ship along the East Coast in the 1940s. She was a model in her twenties as well, before the polio diagnosis, and even featured on a magazine cover. An accomplished artist, Muriel has sold many of her works, including oil paintings, her favorite medium. She is hilarious, with a playful sense of humor (see cow photo above), and was a wonderful cook while she was still able. When considering her miraculous Katrina survival story, and the incredible provision she’s received from strangers and friends, Muriel often says, “I must be God’s favorite child.”
About Vicky: Vicky is a mental health professional, in practice for nearly thirty years. She teaches Bible studies frequently, has written a study titled, "The Emotions of God," and is a soprano in her church chorale. She has become an artist since Muriel arrived to be her oil painting mentor. Vicky's sly sense of humor definitely rivals that of Muriel, and her willingness to give sacrificially is humbling, and an inspiration to many.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rhonda Rogers Armor
Organizer
Denham Springs, LA
Victoria Benton
Beneficiary
