Wheelchair accessible van
Hi, I'm Deborah. I want to thank you for your time reviewing my request, and any donation you are willing to contribute to help me. I am currently trying to purchase a late model used mminivan conversion equipped with a power side door and power ramp, and if possible a driver seat that slide an extra foot or two back to facilitate safe transfers between my wheelchair and the driver seat. I will settle for having no front passenger seat and using a transfer board, provided the vehicle has no center console between the seats (most don't). The amount above is the average cost in my area for a vehicle equipped as needed with adaptive technology that is roughly 2-3 years old. A new one is out of the question as they run twice the amount I am trying to raise, and older ones I've discovered tend to also be around the same price. This also seems to be the price for a full size van equipped as needed that is 4-5 years old, with these also having a "third row" seat that folds flat to lay down and rest with my left leg elevated (frequent swelling).
I need a vehicle equipped for drivers confined to wheelchairs due to a work related injury sustained in early 2011 that developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome due to lack of treatment for the first few months after sustaining my injuries. Work related injuries aparently require lawyers to get involved just to see a doctor in a regular office visit. Obviously, my injuries were far more serious than that. Due to serious medical bills (Workeman's Comp only covered some bills), my credit is trashed, so financing a vehicle is out of the question. SSDI barely covers routine household bills, as I am required to pay for Medicare and Medicaid, which cost me about a third of my current monthly income.
I have looked into modifying my current vehicle, a 15 year old Suburban 4x4, but it would cost as much as a new Suburban (about $60k), so that is out. I would likely trade the 4x4 in as well when obtaining the van, as it isn't really safe for me to get in and out of anyway. If they don't want it, I will likely donate it to some high school or community college that has an auto repair vocational program. It's still a good truck, though the rear brakes need work (I could do it myself prior to the injuries, but not now).
With the van I can regain independence lost since having to rely on transit vans for practically all my transportation needs. I can finally be on time for doctor appointments, attend religious services, return to school to be retrained into another occupation so I can return to the work force, volunteer with local groups to help others, or just get out and make friends my own age finally (most in my apartment building are 20-40 years older than me, and think of this 54 year old as some dumb kid, lol). In short, I could have a life outside my apartment that involves far more than doctor visits. With luck, the vehicle would also allow me to visit and reconnect with siblings I haven't seen in about 35 years or so, and apparently lots of neices and nephews I've never met.
In short, I would be able to pick up the pieces of my life and put it back together again, and return to being a productive part of society rather than a prisoner in my own apartment.
If possible, whomever makes the largest donation by the time I raise enough to purchase the van will get the receipt for donating the 4x4 SUV to a school (tax deductible at the Kelly Blue Book value when donated, currently about $5,000).
Thank you for making it this far, lol. Sorry it was so long, but this is extremely important to me right now, and I figured it is necessary for you know why. Any help you can give is very much appreciated, even if it is just in your meditations or prayers. This is my leap of faith moment, as I am definitely not accustomed to asking for help. I prefer to be the one helping, and your help with this will allow me to do that.
God bless you for your patience with this one, and again you have my thanks.
