Mobility Van for LeeAnne

This is for my sister LeeAnne (Graves) Lapum. LeeAnne has courageously been fighting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 21 years. In addition to that brave battle she also was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2010 and in early 2011 had a mastectomy followed by a year of chemotherapy. At this point in her battle with MS she is bedridden and unable to care for herself. That's where her husband Ron comes into the picture.

Ron has been by LeeAnne's side for over 33 years...he takes care of LeeAnne's every need. Ron is a teacher. Ron teaches at a small, faith based Middle School and High School close to their home. Ron has sacrificed in his career so he can be close to home so he can be there to take care of his wife.

So what's this about then? LeeAnne needs to be transported everywhere in a wheelchair - doctor's appointments, out to visit our mother (who is 93 and in a care facility), or even a trip just to get her out of the house so she doesn't go crazy...um...crazier = ; ) Transferring her in and out of the wheelchair into a regular car is not possible. So they need a mobility van that can take a wheelchair. The van they currently have they bought used. It's old and unreliable and dangerous...they carry two fire extinguishers because of the potential for an engine fire...the door and lift sometimes works, sometimes doesn't...the windows go down but refuse to go back up, etc., etc.

With medical bills and just the cost of living they simply cannot afford a used, let alone a new van. Not without assistance. All they have is Ron's salary. They get no assistance from the outside - e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. This is where you come in.

Your generous donation will be used to fund the purchase of a new or newish mobility van. This would mean a tremendous amount to LeeAnne, Ron, and their two kids.

Thank you so much in advance.