Wheelchair and van for Daniel
Donation protected
Please help us get a motorized wheelchair for Daniel and a full size handicap van so that we can carry him, the wheelchair, and the rest of the family around.
Our son Daniel Timoteo is 2 -1/2 years old. Daniel has Nemaline Rod Myopathy , which is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects his voluntary muscles. In basic terms, he has very weak muscles. Because of his weakened muscles, Daniel requires a ventilator for breathing. He is unable to swallow properly, so all of his food is given through a tube that goes straight into his stomach. He is unable to speak. He can't walk or crawl, but he does scoot all over the house. Despite all of these limitations, Daniel is a cheerful, intelligent little boy. He is a typical little boy that loves dirt, fire trucks, buses, airplanes, music, and many more. He has been learning sign language and is able to communicate.
Daniel has had a rough start to life, spending 15+ weeks in the hospital during his first year on the earth. Things have been relatively improved since and he hasn't had to be hospitalized again since (knock on wood). We have a lot of wonderful resources that have helped and continue to help Daniel. Luckily, our insurance does cover a lot of Daniel's needs. He is able to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. We have some nursing hours that are provided to help with the day-to-day care. Friends and family have helped us tremendously by giving of their time and resources over the last several years.
Even with all this help, there is a significant financial burden associated with raising such a special little boy, as I'm sure that many of you can understand. We have resisted asking openly for help up until now, but are finally ready to swallow our pride and admit that we can't do it all. Several people have given us unsolicited donations and many others have asked how they can help which we appreciate more than we can express.
Daniel has been learning to drive a motorized wheelchair at therapy and absolutely loves it. We are working on getting one for him to use. It looks like we will be able to get most of the cost of the wheelchair covered, but there is no coverage for a vehicle to transport the wheelchair. It weighs roughly 300 pounds and requires a converted vehicle that will allow Daniel to drive inside and be secured in his wheelchair. Because we have 3 other kids, a minivan conversion is not big enough for our family. While full size van conversions do exist, they are not as easy to find and are quite expensive. We will be using any money donated to help with the expenses associated with Daniel's wheelchair and a full size handicap van to transport Daniel and the rest of the family.
Please, please, please do not donate if you are unable or don't feel comfortable. We have been amazed by the support we've received so far. The kind words, thoughts, and messsages have been much appreciated. Thank you all!
Our son Daniel Timoteo is 2 -1/2 years old. Daniel has Nemaline Rod Myopathy , which is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects his voluntary muscles. In basic terms, he has very weak muscles. Because of his weakened muscles, Daniel requires a ventilator for breathing. He is unable to swallow properly, so all of his food is given through a tube that goes straight into his stomach. He is unable to speak. He can't walk or crawl, but he does scoot all over the house. Despite all of these limitations, Daniel is a cheerful, intelligent little boy. He is a typical little boy that loves dirt, fire trucks, buses, airplanes, music, and many more. He has been learning sign language and is able to communicate.
Daniel has had a rough start to life, spending 15+ weeks in the hospital during his first year on the earth. Things have been relatively improved since and he hasn't had to be hospitalized again since (knock on wood). We have a lot of wonderful resources that have helped and continue to help Daniel. Luckily, our insurance does cover a lot of Daniel's needs. He is able to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. We have some nursing hours that are provided to help with the day-to-day care. Friends and family have helped us tremendously by giving of their time and resources over the last several years.
Even with all this help, there is a significant financial burden associated with raising such a special little boy, as I'm sure that many of you can understand. We have resisted asking openly for help up until now, but are finally ready to swallow our pride and admit that we can't do it all. Several people have given us unsolicited donations and many others have asked how they can help which we appreciate more than we can express.
Daniel has been learning to drive a motorized wheelchair at therapy and absolutely loves it. We are working on getting one for him to use. It looks like we will be able to get most of the cost of the wheelchair covered, but there is no coverage for a vehicle to transport the wheelchair. It weighs roughly 300 pounds and requires a converted vehicle that will allow Daniel to drive inside and be secured in his wheelchair. Because we have 3 other kids, a minivan conversion is not big enough for our family. While full size van conversions do exist, they are not as easy to find and are quite expensive. We will be using any money donated to help with the expenses associated with Daniel's wheelchair and a full size handicap van to transport Daniel and the rest of the family.
Please, please, please do not donate if you are unable or don't feel comfortable. We have been amazed by the support we've received so far. The kind words, thoughts, and messsages have been much appreciated. Thank you all!
Organizer
Roger Cook
Organizer
San Luis Obispo, CA