Susan Donaldson is my sister and my best friend.

When we were kids, we noticed Sue was a little uncoordinated and some people kidded her about falling over her own feet. Little did we know she would be diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at age 16. As the disease progressed, Sue could no longer climb stairs, run, walk, or do many of the things we do daily without a second thought.

After years of courageously fighting to maintain every bit of strength and independence she could, Sue was eventually confined to a wheelchair by age 30. She also lost strength in her arms, but Sue has always found a way to work and is thrilled to remain active at her church. She is sure to touch the lives of everyone she meets.

Sue has a smile that lights up the room and a gracious personality. Throughout the years' Sue has never felt sorry for herself, never asked "Why me?" and never resented the fact that her sister could run a marathon when she can't even walk.

Dan married my sister Sue in 1985, fully aware of her diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy just 6 years earlier. This is truly a match made in heaven. For the past 38 years, Dan has lovingly encouraged and supported Sue as her disease progressed. As Sue lost strength, Dan made adjustments to furniture (chairs, beds, toilets, etc.) so that Sue could continue to perform as many tasks as possible. When Sue fell, Dan picked her up. As Sue transitioned to life in a wheelchair, Dan made adaptations to their home including building ramps for Sue to go outside, and raising her work desk so that it was accessible from her wheelchair.

When Sue could no longer get out of bed or get dressed unassisted, Dan gradually began assisting Sue with these daily tasks. As Sue slowly lost the ability to cook, clean the house, do laundry, and drive, Dan took on each of these chores. For many years now Dan has almost single-handedly (with strength from the Lord and occasional help from friends and family) lovingly and selflessly taken care of Sue and their home 24/7/365.

Now Dan and Sue need our help to purchase a reliable wheelchair-accessible van so that she can safely travel to work and doctors’ appointments, attend weekly church services and have the freedom and independence to continue to enjoy an active life. Dan and Sue chose the basic model 2023 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Even at “basic” the cost is astronomical at $92,200.

Because Sue works as a bookkeeper for Dan’s computer business and also works as a web designer, she qualifies for assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) with the modification portion of the cost of a new vehicle.

After deducting the modification expenses that are covered by VR, and the trade-in of her current 2007 van, the amount left to finance is $44,000. We want to lighten that financial load some for Dan and Sue.

Our fundraising goal is set to raise $20,000 for a down payment on the amount financed by Dan and Sue, to help defray the costs and bring their monthly payment and loan term to a more reasonable expense for them. Please consider donating to this worthy cause. Every little bit helps, and together we can make a difference in Dan and Sue's life. If you're unable to donate, please share this campaign with your friends and family on social media to help spread the word. Also, please remember Dan and Sue in prayer. Let's bless this family as only a wonderful community can.

On behalf of my sister Sue and all those who love her, I thank you for your support and generosity.

Sincerely,

Elaine White

Sue with Mom, Brothers Don, Bob, Jim & Alan and Sister Elaine

Video Chrysler Pacifica Wheelchair Van