Anna Hoeg Accessible Vehicle Campaign

Meet my friend, Anna.

 

Anna and I have known each other since childhood, and she has always had a passion for life, an eagerness to help others, and a commitment to serving her community. Over the years, Anna has given a great deal of her life in the service of others, but today Anna needs our help!

 

Anna has played a role in the happiest moments in the lives of many - performing marriages, baptisms and first sacraments - but she has also been a rock for people who have been experiencing the worst moments in their lives. Anna has been there to comfort those grieving the loss of a loved one, has consoled those who have been experiencing illness, has been a counselor to those who need guidance, and a friend when people need a shoulder to cry on. She has helped many navigate homelessness, addiction, and mental health concerns, and has opened her home to anyone who has ever found themselves in a place of need.

 

Several years ago, Anna was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). This rare collection of diseases is characterised by progressive muscle wasting which, for Anna, impacts her hands, arms, legs, abdomen, gastro-intestinal, and respiratory systems. This disease is already having an impact on Anna’s breathing and over time, LGMD can progress to impact all muscles in the body – including the heart.

 

Due to the progression of this disease, Anna is currently at significant risk of injury from something as simple as riding in a car to attend medical appointments. The slightest bump in the road might mean Anna is in danger. These circumstances also impinge upon her already weak breathing and her body, muscle and joints become significantly strained and pained. Transferring from her full-time wheelchair to a vehicle has become very dangerous, and because of this, she now only leaves her house when is absolutely necessary. What’s more, Anna is currently waiting for essential surgery to help alleviate carbon dioxide retention due to weakened respiratory muscles and and weakened epiglottis, and once this surgery is completed, she will not be able to transfer to and from, or even sit in her current vehicle.

 

A properly equipped, accessible vehicle is essential for Anna to remain in her power wheelchair to attend medical appointments, attend important milestones for her daughter, and to fully live life as her disease progresses further. Anna and her family are looking to obtain a gently used accessible van (in good shape, with low kms), and estimate a cost of approximately $40, 000.00. A new vehicle to suit her needs would cost between $75,000.00 and $90,000.00, which is far beyond their financial ability, so they are looking to secure the funds to purchase a used vehicle to meet Anna’s basic needs.

 

Anna and her husband have a modest, fixed income and the enormous financial strain of addressing Anna’s day-to-day health concerns has impacted their ability to access borrowing or credit resources. Their financial resources and life savings were completely depleted in 2020 with an accessible bathroom installation in their home, and without an accessible vehicle, Anna will essentially become a shut-in as her disease further develops.

 

Since the family has exhausted all options available to them, we are creating this GoFundMe in hopes that family, friends, and the communities to which Anna has given so much of herself, can band together and help her in her time of need. Anna and her family realize that these are tough times for everyone, with the ever-increasing costs of fuel, food, and shelter. We are launching this appeal, however, in desperation only because there is no other option and the progression of Anna’s LGMD has necessitated this transition.

 

We are reaching out in faith and humility that some how, a way and means will allow them to obtain a vehicle to prolong Anna’s quality of life. Thank you for reading Anna’s story, and for your consideration for this very worth while cause.

 

Whatever support you can offer is very much appreciated!