Dignity For David

David is a paraplegic and amputee.  He and his assistive dog/companion (Kaos) live in an older travel trailer that was modified to accommodate his wheelchair. David loves living in his travel trailer, the modifications to the trailer allowed him to live independantly, and with dignity. For those of us who know David, we know that every day, no matter what happens to him, he always has a smile and positive words for everyone he comes in contact with.  He is an extraordinary human being, and an inspiration to everyone! 

Due to some medical emergencies David had, he was out of his home for a couple of days during the deep freeze we had this last winter.  You know, the one that left so many of us stranded on icy roads, slippery walkways, driveways, and expensive repairs for broken water pipes. However for David, the freeze caused extensive damage to his little home, freezing and breaking all his water pipes, froze the water in his toilet bowl, splitting his toilet bowl in half, and then when the brief thaw came between storms, water damage ruined and weakened the floor.  Through it all David still maintains his smile and positive attitude.  He has tried to figure out ways on his own, on how he can still find a way to live in his ruined home, without any money or resources. I find it incredible that he never once complains, and is so conscientous about not wanting to put anyone out, or inconvenience anyone because of his situation.  He simply tries to find a way to better his situation on his own.

David's income is very limited, he receives about $700 per month, and living in his travel trailer, while small, made his monthly rent and utilities affordable on his income.  Unfortunately, with such a limited income he has no money left over for replacing his ruined home. 
  
Our goal is to try to raise funds to purchase David a travel trailer (even a good used one would do) so he can have a safe home to live in.  Our second goal is to be able to have enough funds to have it modified (widen the doorways to accommodate his wheelchair, make the bathroom accesible for him in his wheelchair, and possibly a wheelchair lift) so that he can access the new little home for himself and his assistive dog safely. 

In our checking we have discovered that another trailer would cost about $20,000, and to have it modified to give him access with his wheelchair will cost an additional $18,000 (this includes a wheelchair lift for him).

If ever there was a person so deserving of a helping hand, it is definately David.  Even with his home so broken, he has yet to complain, but rather tries to find ways that he can do things for himself and make do with what he has. He is giving, kind, and compassionate, and makes every effort not to inconvenience anyone else because of his limitations. 

For the many friends that know David, and what a wonderful person he is, we are hoping that you will share this with everyone on your friends list and help us get the word out.  For those of you who do not know David, we are hoping that his story will touch your heart, and that you also will share this with everyone you know.  Every donation, no matter how small, will help us acheive an unreachable dream for this young man, and return his independance and dignity.

Please help us with our mission of making a dream come true for David.  Living an independant life in his own home is such a wonderful gift to give to another human being.