Accessibility for Antwan
Donation protected
For the past three years, Antwan Ellis has been struggling to get in and out of the car. Due to a long battle with Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure, Antwan lost his left leg below the knee, and with slowly healing wounds he struggles to use a prosthesis. Antwan and his wife Marie have been making do, but this past Monday, Antwan had his right leg amputated below the knee as well. Without any way for Antwan to stand or pivot, it is now impossible for the family to continue using a regular car for transportation.
Antwan and Marie need a wheelchair-accessible van, which is costly due to the extensive modifications required. A new van could cost up to $70,000, but the family would be thrilled with some help on the down payment for a used van at about half that price. Antwan also needs a patient lift device to transfer him from bed to the wheelchair. These can cost from $500 to $1500 or more. Antwan and Marie also have to pay for dialysis treatments, rehabilitation stays, hospital visits, and other medical expenses.
Anyone who knows the family knows how much they deserve a better life. Antwan and Marie have raised three great kids--Antwanette, Anthony, and Alexis--and constantly give back to their community. Marie volunteered to mow two neighbors' lawns and remove their snow for years while they were fighting cancer. Antwan and Marie donated time and supplies to help renovate a church building and provide holiday dinner for the congregation. Marie has baked thousands of gourmet cupcakes for Portage-area events. And the list goes on.
Now Antwan and Marie need your help. Purchasing this accessibility equipment will drastically improve their quality of life, and any extra help with the medical bills will take some of the stress away from this new obstacle. Let's get Antwan moving again!
Antwan and Marie need a wheelchair-accessible van, which is costly due to the extensive modifications required. A new van could cost up to $70,000, but the family would be thrilled with some help on the down payment for a used van at about half that price. Antwan also needs a patient lift device to transfer him from bed to the wheelchair. These can cost from $500 to $1500 or more. Antwan and Marie also have to pay for dialysis treatments, rehabilitation stays, hospital visits, and other medical expenses.
Anyone who knows the family knows how much they deserve a better life. Antwan and Marie have raised three great kids--Antwanette, Anthony, and Alexis--and constantly give back to their community. Marie volunteered to mow two neighbors' lawns and remove their snow for years while they were fighting cancer. Antwan and Marie donated time and supplies to help renovate a church building and provide holiday dinner for the congregation. Marie has baked thousands of gourmet cupcakes for Portage-area events. And the list goes on.
Now Antwan and Marie need your help. Purchasing this accessibility equipment will drastically improve their quality of life, and any extra help with the medical bills will take some of the stress away from this new obstacle. Let's get Antwan moving again!
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Rueth
Organizer
Portage, WI
Marie Darling Ellis
Beneficiary