Hello, everyone. My name is Karen Dixon, and I am Kira's mother. I have created this GoFundMe page to raise funds to purchase a new modified vehicle. We are looking at purchasing a Kia Carnival 2025 model, as this car is the most ideal type for wheelchair modification. This vehicle will be able to transport Kira and her wheelchair to much-needed medical appointments and social engagements within the community.

Unfortunately, her current vehicle is 20 years old and on its way out. Due to her disability and financial situation, she is unable to purchase a new vehicle. That is a massive part of her independence and freedom to access the community and much-needed medical appointments.

Due to the NDIS rules and regulations, they will not provide funding to purchase the car; instead, they will only provide funding to modify the vehicle to meet Kira’s specific needs. Therefore, buying a car for Kira is technically out of her realm, so we seek your help.

Here is a little bit about Kira, in her own words:

”Hello everyone, my name is Kira or what most know me as, "Kizzy". I've been asked to give you a glimpse into my life and who I am in my everyday life.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm currently 33 years old and live independently in my own home, in Officer Victoria. My life has been a little unconventional compared to your normal upbringing, but I look back on it and believe it's made me the person I am today.

At the age of 12 months old, I was formally diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type II). This occurred when my mother realised I was not meeting the average milestones every child should meet throughout their early development phase.

For those who may not know, Spinal Muscular Atrophy—often called SMA—is a rare genetic condition that affects the muscles my body relies on for movement and strength. It's caused by the loss of specialised nerve cells in the spinal cord, which means my muscles gradually weaken over time. Living with SMA, especially type II, means facing certain physical limitations and ongoing challenges. Still, it also means learning to adapt and find new ways to do things I love. My journey has been shaped by this diagnosis, both good and bad, but it certainly hasn't defined all that I am or what I hope to achieve.

Due to my lovely mother's upbringing, she's instilled in me that I am no different to anyone else, I just need to do things a little differently. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, I've had to pull out more resourceful ways of achieving everyday tasks, as my physical deterioration has progressively gotten worse.

In 2017, I was given the most significant opportunity to live independently in my own apartment, a dream I never thought would happen. With a long fight with the government and the time and effort put into organising all the components needed to set me up in my own home, I achieved my once thought to be a dream of living independently and turned it into reality. For the last 8 years, I have been living and breathing freedom of choice and control.

The past four years have probably been one of the most challenging times I've had to push through, as I had to quit my position as an IT Manager due to medical and mental health issues and NDIS struggles. Due to leaving my position of work, this has caused a substantial financial burden to me as I now solely rely on a pension. During this time, my car, 20 years old, has needed more and more attention for upkeep. This has been an enormous stress as access to my vehicle is a massive component of my independence, and accessing my much-needed medical needs.”

As Kiras's mother, I want to create this GoFundMe page to engage with the community and help support this much-deserved goal of maintaining Kiras's independence. Please help us and join us on this journey.