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Let's Get Michael Moving

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Hello, my name is Michael. In 2013, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called "Multifocal Motor Neuropathy" (MMN). It is a progressive nerve disorder that effects my limbs and extremities. 

As of 2015, I could no longer walk, stand on my own, use my arms or hands. Since then I have been technically a quadriplegic. When I have to travel, I need to be lifted in and out of our vehicle, and use a manual wheelchair that is not just uncomfortable but painful after a short period. I do have an electric wheelchair but it is too heavy to lift (375lbs), so I need a Handicap Van for transportation. This is not just for my comfort but also for my safety and the safety of my son, who is my primary caregiver. 

Right now, the only time spent out of our home is for physical therapy, my IVIG infusion treatments, and doctor visits. Getting me to and from these much-needed appointments is challenging. Without proper transportation weather, illness, and injury can all cause me to miss therapy and treatment, which are very important in my continuing battle with MMN. 

So, my family and I are raising money for items that will help give me a better quality of life and help me fight this debilitating disease. These are items that aren’t covered by insurance.

Things such as . . .

•A Handicap van

•Other therapies like acupuncture and, more physical therapy sessions above and beyond what insurance will pay for

•Massage therapy 

•A laptop and speech to text software to help me communicate and participate with the rest of the world

•Maintenance services to ensure the safety and longevity of equipment like the ceiling lifts and the stair lift

Having a Handicap Van would mean that I wouldn’t feel so isolated. I’d be able to socially interact with the outside world, not just with whoever is in my home. I’d actually be able to go and do things as simple as seeing a movie or even going to a concert, or dinner with my wife, things that I used to be able to do. It would create a better quality of life for me, my family, and anyone that would be a caregiver for me. Just being able to do those things helps to keep depression at bay, and maintain some sense of normalcy. 

Having an electric wheelchair does give me a taste of freedom, being able to go outside or around the neighborhood when it’s warmer, but that’s as far as I can go without having a Handicap Van.  The expense of renting a Handicap Van for every appointment or purchasing one is beyond our means.

Being as independent as I am, I wouldn’t normally ask for help, but I need to. We don't have another option, it is the only way we’re going to be able to get a Handicap Van and the other things needed.

If you can help, please make a small donation! Every penny counts and even small donations add up!  

If a donation is not possible, another great way to help is to spread the word about my story and this fundraising page with your friends, family, and colleagues.  

All funds will go directly to purchasing and maintaining a Handicap Van, other needed equipment like the evacuation chair, and other things to help me in my continuing battle with MMN.   

Getting my inspiration from NHRA Drag Racing, as a Thank you, I will put your name or company logo on the new van or my websites. 

If you would like your name and/or logo placed on the van, once it is attached I will send you a photo of it.  All donors will get an online Thank You acknowledgement on all my social media sites. 

•    For donations of $50 or more, I will place your name or company logo on my websites for a period of 1 year.  

•    For donations of $250 or more, I will also place a 3” tall decal with your name or company logo on the van for the period of 1 year.   

•   For donations of $500 or more, I will also place a 6” tall decal with your name or company logo on the van for the period of 1 year.   

•    For donations of $1,000 or more, I will also place a 10” tall decal with your name or company logo on the van for the period of 5 years or until it wears off, whichever comes first.   

 

Thank you for your time, interest, and help. Please feel free to ask questions! - Michael
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Donations 

  • Mary Kay and Tim Dadabo
    • $1,000 
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous Doners
    • $1,033 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Sharon Coyle
    • $150 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Michael N Jeannie Aylward
Organizer
Hampshire, IL
Thomas Aylward
Beneficiary

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