Help fund Jocelyn Martinez

Joe and I are attempting to raise money for Jocelyn's wheelchair van and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. As many of you know Jocelyn has PVL and CP. She was diagnosed at 8 months old. Despite challenges, Jocelyn continues to be a very friendly, outgoing child who loves to travel. She has reached the age where she desires and needs more independence.

Initially, we were told that state funding would be available to help defray the cost of a conversion van to provide transport for Jocelyn. With funding cuts, etc. the promised assistance is no longer available. As Jocelyn has gotten older, our previous vehicle (which we sold to supplement the anticipated state funding) no longer accommodated a larger wheelchair and any necessary apparatus. We are currently renting a wheelchair accessible van at a cost of $75 per day to assist with transporting her to summer activities and medical appointments.

The cost for this rental vehicle is prohibitive and we will be discontinuing the rental. Without a conversion van, Jocelyn will not be able to go to any of her scheduled therapies or activities because we will no longer have transportation. I will continue to appeal to the State for the required funding assistance. We have now been waiting 3 months - our prayer is to provide transportation so that Jocelyn may be able to enjoy summer activities, attend therapy sessions and required medical appointments.

We are also investigating hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an more natural alternative to current therapies. Currently, this treatment is not covered by insurance companies. Current research indicates that there are many benefits to be gained from this therapy (improvements in balance, gross motor skills, lessening of drooling, muscle tone, etc.). We would like to transition Jocelyn from painful Botox shots to this more natural hyperbaric environment.

As parents, Joe and I would love to provide Jocelyn with every opportunity to grow and realize her developmental potential. Toward that end, we are seeking your help and generosity to help us in these efforts. I am currently creating a Facebook page to document the progress towards our financial goal as well as Jocelyn's physical progress.

Please join us as we seek to make this dream a reality. Thank you all for you support.