HELP RESTORE INDEPENDENCE
I have been chronically I'll since 2013 when catastrophic failure and rupture of my pancreas due to congenital birth defects scarred my internal organs from lungs to colon. My family was told I wouldn't live; I did. I was told I wouldn't leave the hospital; I did. I was told I'd not get better and remain homebound; months later of physical and occupational therapy, I did. I was told I'd never practice my dream job as a mental health professional; I did. I was told statistics say survival would only bring death in 4-7years; four years nine months later, I DIDN'T! Throughout this time I've been hospitalized numerous times; 9 months of 2017 and 40+ procedures overall. A formerly independent, athletic person, who raised a special needs child alone and put myself through University and Grad School with honors, I am now in a wheelchair, with a service dog, and humbled to accept help for the simplest of tasks; like getting dressed, BUT grateful to be here, even when it's painful! However, I am now the one that needs to ask for help; as foreign as it feels to me.
I am grateful for each day to hug my son and watch him develop. Helping others and bringing a voice to the voiceless from abused children, to abused dogs, and adults suffering from trauma and other mental health diagnoses have been my passions that drove me to overcome repeated odds. I was told I'd no longer be able to pursue these, but I did!
There was something I was told that has come true... My condition is degenerative, and will ultimately take my life. Each time I pushed my limits to have a career, I'd end up hospitalized almost as many months as I was active; 2017 saw me spend nearly 9 months in hospital. As a result, we lost our home, many possessions, memories... As I sat helpless in my hospital bed unable to change the course, and my son entered the youth homeless shelter. So, I reexamined my direction. I want to LIVE, not just survive. Experience my days in WONDER, not despair.
My mother has dementia that is advancing more rapidly; a lifetime fear of hers, especially after seeing her brother succumb to the illness, she has always had a dream of travel. My son, now 21, had stood by and sacrificed while I went to grad school with the dream we'd travel each year afterwards. I had watched show after show and researched the dream of living in a home on wheels. The dream now more pressing, as I want to share memories with my loved ones while they, and I, still can. This is where I humble myself to that foreign feeling, and ask for help. I tried the traditional means (bank loans, personal loans, etc) and was frustrated at every turn. My condition saw me lose our savings as we were forced to trust those that would take advantage and exploit us. The picture is a motorhome I wish to buy, but I don't quite have the means. I need $2675 (USD) or $3500 (CAD) to purchase it ASAP before I lose it. January 12, 2018 marked 5 months in hospital, but I was told my discharge will come shortly. Thus, I urgently need a place to live!!
The motorhome is inexpensive compared to all the fees and deposits to move into another home/apartment, and would be OURS! No risk of repeated homelessness!! It will also provide transportation, as sidewalks and roads are impassable via wheelchair this time of year, and city bus ramps aren't consistently effective. In addition, the motorhome will also provide means to make memories, and see family and friends, while we still can. It will afford the relief that my family will never face homelessness again, and will be ours free and clear!! My goal is a bit higher for some modifications and repair money, but the minimum is above. Please, PLEASE, even if you cannot donate, SHARE this link with a message how you know me. If each of my FB friends donated $10-15, I'd reach my goal in a DAY. Much love to all who have reached this far... May positivity, hope, and love befall you.
