Brad's Wheels
Donation protected
Brad's Story - Brad needs WHEELS
Imagine not being able to leave your home - you are unable to work, go to the grocery store, take a trip, go to the mall, meet friends out or see a movie.... Your world for the most part is your room. This is what Muscular Dystrophy has done to Brad.
Born in 1978, Brad had a normal childhood, running, playing, school, going on vacations, and being part of activities with family & friends.
Brad's first sign that something was wrong, was when he realized he couldn't run. Then came the limp. Finally after testing, it was determined Brad had Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystophy (MD). At 24, Brad was faced with a life-altering diagnosis to deal with.
Over the years, Brad's ability to walk has severely declined. He struggles to walk to the bathroom or take a shower, and getting there is with the assistance of the walls. With progressive weakness, falls are more frequent, so he now wears a medical alert, and his mother, Sue, stays home with him full time.
Most of Brad's time is spent sitting in his bed watching TV, movies, reading, and playing video games. He can play on line which allows him to interact with other players; however, personal interactions are missed. He also enjoys reading comic books, which he collects. His mom makes the weekly run to Comic Book University on Wednesday to get the new releases for him.
Brad's way of getting around the home is primarily with his power wheelchair. If he needs to go somewhere by van, his options are limited. Due to Brad's form of MD, he has weakness in his shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. He relies on his mom for transportation and on his brother, Dan for assistance. The weakness also makes it difficult for Brad to safely maneuver, putting him at risk of falling during transfers. In order for Brad to go anywhere outside the home, and generally for doctor appointments, Brad's brother, Dan, has to take off work. It is a difficult and exhausting process for both Brad and Dan that could be simplified with a wheelchair accessible van to accommodate Brad while sitting in his chair.
In 2015, Brad was to be gifted a wheelchair accessible van from an acquaintance. This man wanted to give his old van away since he received help getting a new one. Brad was very excited. Unfortunately, this transaction didn't happen due to circumstances beyond the man's control. Both Brad and his mom were devastated when the circumstances prevented this gift from becoming a reality.
Brad would love to be able to go to the comic book store, out to dinner, more family functions, and out at times with friends.
So here is where you come in.... Brad needs WHEELS! And Brad, Sue, and Dan need your help. Brad is on a very limited income as is his mother and the accessible vans are very expensive. Our hope is to raise enough money to at least make a sizable down payment on a wheelchair accessible van, equipped with an electric lift and stabilizers, to make the monthly payment stay within their limited budget.
We all have needs and expenses and can only do so much. Together, making whatever contribution we may be able to afford, we can work to make a BIG difference for Brad. Thank you for listening. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Imagine if you couldn't leave your home, jump in a vehicle whenever you want to, even worse, when you need to....
Imagine not being able to leave your home - you are unable to work, go to the grocery store, take a trip, go to the mall, meet friends out or see a movie.... Your world for the most part is your room. This is what Muscular Dystrophy has done to Brad.
Born in 1978, Brad had a normal childhood, running, playing, school, going on vacations, and being part of activities with family & friends.
Brad's first sign that something was wrong, was when he realized he couldn't run. Then came the limp. Finally after testing, it was determined Brad had Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystophy (MD). At 24, Brad was faced with a life-altering diagnosis to deal with.
Over the years, Brad's ability to walk has severely declined. He struggles to walk to the bathroom or take a shower, and getting there is with the assistance of the walls. With progressive weakness, falls are more frequent, so he now wears a medical alert, and his mother, Sue, stays home with him full time.
Most of Brad's time is spent sitting in his bed watching TV, movies, reading, and playing video games. He can play on line which allows him to interact with other players; however, personal interactions are missed. He also enjoys reading comic books, which he collects. His mom makes the weekly run to Comic Book University on Wednesday to get the new releases for him.
Brad's way of getting around the home is primarily with his power wheelchair. If he needs to go somewhere by van, his options are limited. Due to Brad's form of MD, he has weakness in his shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. He relies on his mom for transportation and on his brother, Dan for assistance. The weakness also makes it difficult for Brad to safely maneuver, putting him at risk of falling during transfers. In order for Brad to go anywhere outside the home, and generally for doctor appointments, Brad's brother, Dan, has to take off work. It is a difficult and exhausting process for both Brad and Dan that could be simplified with a wheelchair accessible van to accommodate Brad while sitting in his chair.
In 2015, Brad was to be gifted a wheelchair accessible van from an acquaintance. This man wanted to give his old van away since he received help getting a new one. Brad was very excited. Unfortunately, this transaction didn't happen due to circumstances beyond the man's control. Both Brad and his mom were devastated when the circumstances prevented this gift from becoming a reality.
Brad would love to be able to go to the comic book store, out to dinner, more family functions, and out at times with friends.
So here is where you come in.... Brad needs WHEELS! And Brad, Sue, and Dan need your help. Brad is on a very limited income as is his mother and the accessible vans are very expensive. Our hope is to raise enough money to at least make a sizable down payment on a wheelchair accessible van, equipped with an electric lift and stabilizers, to make the monthly payment stay within their limited budget.
We all have needs and expenses and can only do so much. Together, making whatever contribution we may be able to afford, we can work to make a BIG difference for Brad. Thank you for listening. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Imagine if you couldn't leave your home, jump in a vehicle whenever you want to, even worse, when you need to....
Organizer
Cathy Wetzel Lewis Whitesell
Organizer
Greenfield, IN
