My name is Theresa, and for over the last 10 years Scott Stanley and I have been in a relationship together. I am reaching out to friends, family, and anyone else generous enough to help on Scott’s behalf.  Scott became paralyzed as a teenager after diving into an above ground pool in the summer of 1988, and has spent the last 27 years living his life as best he can while remaining quadriplegic. His mother has taken care him much of his life, and he’s transitioned to include personal care attendants to help him with his daily living needs. As the saying goes, none of us are getting any younger.  Years ago there were no mechanical means of assisting Scott getting into and out of his wheelchair, and he’s been dependent on strong people to transfer him.

Today there are devices that can allow virtually anyone to transfer Scott into any chair he wants to be in, and do it with relative ease. He could get into bed at any time without anyone ever potentially hurting themselves. One such device is called the Surehands Mobile Lift 1640 (pictures and video will be below). Many people have applied to work as Scott’s personal care attendant, but because he’s not a small guy, he’s reliant on hiring the strongest person for the job. These people are hard to find. Furthermore, not only does Scott need this lift, the people that want to work for Scott have come to expect that he have such a lift at home. With the Surehands Lift he can have more independence, stay out of a nursing home environment, and allow anyone to work for him without necessarily being the physically strongest person available.

The one factor that has inhibited him from purchasing such a lift is that any kind equipment for people with disabilities is extremely expensive. Wheelchairs, accessible vans, handicap lifts are cost prohibitive and out of reach for most disabled people that need them. Like many other individuals with physical challenges, Scott does not make the kind of money that would allow him to purchase a Surehands Lift in the very near future. Medicaid and Medicare view this particular equipment as a luxury and not necessary for Scott to live and function. For those that know Scott well, they know he and his family could have benefited from this lift a long time ago. His parents and caretakers still lift him, but a day will come when they no longer can do it. The Surehands Lift will allow Scott to be independent for many years to come, and make life easier for Scott and those that care for him.

To purchase the Surehands 1640 it will require $8,000. Raising this much money is a lofty goal. It’s humbling to ask others for money. It challenges our self-esteem and sense of adequacy. I do not ask for assistance without a great deal of consideration before doing so. I appreciate anyone who is willing to contribute. And even if you can’t contribute, if you can pass this along or share with a friend, I am most grateful. In the event we raise any money beyond the set goal, it will go towards other medical equipment that can further Scott's independence. Thank you so much in advance for any donations. Gofundme is proof that each of us can make a difference in another individual’s life.