Handicapped Van for Cam

Cam was 15 years old when a doctor thought he had a pinched nerve in his shoulder since he was having problems using his hand to dribble a basketball with (he was a first string athlete), then he begin having trouble buttoning his shirt.  Was sent to neurologist for evaluation who stated he had a tumor in his neck at his spine and had to have immediate surgery or he would be dead in a day or two.  Neurosurgeon agreed.  After surgery a couple of days later, we were told surgery could not remove the tumor and he would be dead in a few months.  Doctor very blunt.  Neurosurgeon had botched the surgery and left stitches so loose spinal fluid was accumulating in his neck, forming a huge psuedomingacele.  Had to go to NYC Medical Center to a neurosurgeon there who was doing this type of tumor(astrocytoma) removal and for him to repair mistakes made by local surgeon.  Found out there was no tumor.  He had only had a virus that had settled in his neck from strep throat a few weeks before his numbness began and would have been okay after a few days on massive steroids.  However the NYC surgeon had to correct the prior surgery to his cord,  which he did.  However, too much damage to Cam's spinal cord had been done and he began to decline within the next few years, losing the use of right leg, right hand, then left leg and left hand, finally using only one finger to use a remote, phone, etc.  Eventually even the finger curled and he could no longer use it.  Considered an incomplete quadraplegic at that time.   Now, he is considered a complete quadraplegic.  He uses a mouthstick to control his remotes, phone, etc.  and can probably type as fast as I can with it.  Over the next 30 years, he maintained his health using a wheelchair and nighttime non-invasive ventilator.  However, in 2005 he developed double pneumonia twice, went into respiratory distress and had to have a tracheostomy and now has to use a ventilator.   Up to that point as his mother, I did everything for him, even carrying him around over my shoulder from room to room, at 6-2-1/2 inches and 165 pounds.  But with the trach my husband and  I could not carry him anymore without hitting the trach.  So,  even though my husband and I have only Social Security as our income, we  scrapped together enough money to purchase an 8 year old handicapped van for $14000.00.  We had never been able to receive any assistance for him and paid for everything his insurance did not provide for him out of pocket.   Even though he had gone thru vocational rehabilitation, he was told very bluntly that he was unemployable due to his handicap.  This to a 19 year old young man who had his whole life ahead of him.  I think they needed to give sensitivity traing to some of the counselors.   He tried to attend the local community college for computer technology but was told that I would have to attend with him to take him back and forth  to class and help with holding and moving things for him.  This was impossible as I had to work so he had to quit.   After developing pressure wounds from having to sit or lie all the time, it was very hard for him to even be in a wheelchair for very long periods of time.  As time has passed, the van is now almost 20 years old and is in danger of quitting on us at any time.  We've had mechanics look at it to find what is wrong, but were told, we don't know.  Just drive it until it stops on you and then we'll tow it in and may be able to find out what's wrong.  The bad part of that is being afraid to even drive to doctors' appts and not knowing if it will make it or whether we will be stuck on the side of the road.  A good used van is now a must, however, being on social security does not leave any extra for purchasing a new or even used car.  I drive a 15 year old van while my husband drives a 20 year old truck.  There are no vacations being taken since it is so hard on Cam to ride anywhere.   I've never asked anyone for anything.  Always been too proud to do so.  I've been his caregiver for over 30 years now, since 1982.   We can't get help with his care without giving up the small in-home care check of $400 a month which he receives which goes to pay for a portion of his medical supplies, but doesn't even cover all of those.  Yet I would not change a thing.  I always said I would never put him in a nursing home as long as I was able to do for him.   However, I am 72 years old now and know that I'm not going to be able to do it forever.  A handicapped van that is dependable would be such a blessing.  During all these past 33 years, Cam has never complained about "why me", "why did this happen to me".  He maintains his sense of humor and everyone loves him.  He has wonderful doctors who go out of their way to try to provide the best kind of care for him.  So I guess this is my story.  I heard about Gofundme.com thru the internet and thought while I would never ask for myself, knowing it is for Cam I decided to do this.  If anyone could help us out, it would be deeply appreciated.  If anyone doubts this story, believe me it is highly documented.  People have asked why we didn't sue the doctor who did the original surgery.  We didn't want to do that.  We didn't want to be "those" people who sue for the slightest thing to get money and always felt Cam would some day recover.  We didn't know at the time what was going to be Cam's future and doctors did not decide that the cause of the paralysis was simply scar tissue caused by the surgeries until he was 23 years old and of course the 7 year period for the statute of limitations had expired.  The first neurosurgeon who caused all the problems continues on  practicing even today, making mistakes and has been sued numerous times, but is allowed to continue to operate even though his fellow doctors know and admit he is irresponsible.  But the damage has already been done to my son but I will continue to fight for him as long as there is breath in my body.  Thank you all who take the time to read this, even though you can not contribute.  Just knowing there are people out there who continue to pray for him is a blessing.