Help ME Build and Empower.

When I was 2 years old my life changed forever and today I would like to share some of my story with you  
 My Story is where I came from and it connects us to each other. It is in the story of humanity, amongst love and fear and failure. It is my personal story and journey and it doesn’t stop today. My journey continues to grow but today I am taking a leap of faith and sharing my story online. I thank so many of my friends and community that continue standing next to me  
     At age 2, I was diagnosed with the rare disease Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Many people think “Arthritis” is the disease of older populations but what many don’t know is the disease doesn’t discriminate and affects all ages.The younger the age of onset the harder the challenges you will face. My young days were full of pain, discomfort, weakness and trying to survive each day of my life. I spent most of my childhood in a hospital not sure if I would make it through the night. The hospital rooms always had the smell of sterile and antiseptic. I remember hearing doctors whispering and trying to diagnose me as if I’m the next experiment in a lab. I remember my elders and medical teams discussing me like I was already dead . At age 11, I was in a severe accident back home in Toronto Canada, whereby my life changed even more dramatically. During my first 11 years I had to deal with consistent visits to the hospital, spiking fervor’s over 104 degrees and tremendous amount of pain while standing, walking, and sitting. After the accident the pain increased rapidly and caused me to be wheelchair bound and need full time assistance with most of my daily life. This story isn’t about defeat it’s about the process of overcoming. I was told that I will probably not make it passed my elementary days but I did. I was told that the chances of me going to a four year university would be very slim. That lie was rebuked! I went to a four-year university and graduated with a BA in Sociology. I finished strong and than pursued more and earned My Master’s Degree in 2013. with emphasis on Clinical Counseling.  I am still not done! I have many dreams and aspirations and feel a calling upon my life to empower and change the narratives of the broken, challenged, and silenced. The life of someone in a wheelchair is not a east mark..... Everything costs triple the amount earned. Everything is a struggle and financially this has been a even more challenging journey.  My work is limited not by my mindset but my physical disability and how long I can be on my chair daily when dealing with chronic pain and pressure. I cannot work long hours due to the pain and discomfort of being in a wheelchair all day. I cannot sit up without help or do many of the everyday functions without assistance. Yet, I have never let my disabilty stop me from living and helping others transform their lives. I believe in PURPOSE and I KNOW I HAVE A CALLING on my life.  Counseling is the beginning of that process whereby stories are heard and faces become recognizable. I believe that the power of a story is the most important thing we can all share. I work alongside some of the most difficult populations like Domestic Violence, Gang Violence, Sex Trafficking and Physical Disabilities. Although, my personal life has been hard and challenging, it all has had purpose and dedication.
    I am now a young professional but unfortunately I have not had the financial assistance or means to support myself and make ALL the changes I need for my physical disability. I am starting this campaign so I can make those changes. The first big challenge is my wheelchair accessible van. The retail costs of these vehicles start around $40,000 and I just do not have the funds and insurance is not covering any aspect of those expenses. I have raised small portions throughout the year but definitely not enough to get any of the needed wheelchair vans on the market. This is my top priority and I cannot do my job or continue my story without a wheelchair van. My van has had some big challenges recently again the money to continue patching it up or fixing would be better with something newer that can handle my electric wheelchair and needs  I also have some construction needs in the house to make my bathroom more wheelchair friendly and adaptive. For this I need to widen the doors and overall make my home more wheelchair accessible especially the bathroom areas so I can turn around and transfer without “hitting” every door and wall in my pathway.
    I know that I couldn’t have done anything without my PAPA in heaven. I know that ALL my prayers are in the hands of Jesus and I believe in the power of MIRACLES . I definitely don’t like putting my entire story online for the world to judge but I’m stepping out to trust GOD. I don’t know how to raise these funds on my own but I know HE does!! I know that my faith has been my anchor in all my storms and HE has helped me through some of the most difficult pieces. I know financial issues are tests with GOD and I’m praying my miracles out now. I know that faith, love, grace has all been purposeful mindsets for my story. I am now asking for help from my community, friends and family. Thank You for taking a moment to read my story and if possible please share it with others. I honestly cannot do these things without my community and friends. I have not shared my FULL story before but some pieces have been heard. I now feel called to surrender and trust HIM with the overwhelming BIG things that I cannot humanly understand. Thanks . Please pray with me.