Hi everyone, I’m MESHA B. I’m paralyzed. Four years ago,I was in a car accident that changed my life forever . After celebrating my sister‘s bearthday ,heading to a Galentines Dinner I was ejected through the windshield . I was left to die at the scene. Since,I’ve been paralyzed from the chest down, with limited movement in my upper extremities. I was rushed to Marcus Grady trauma Center in Atlanta where I underwent emergency neck fusion surgery. I suffered from a collapsed lung , which altered my breathing. I received a tracheostomy (a tube in throat) ,tube fed through my stomach & was put on ventilator. I was told that I would never breathe off the ventilator. Oh yeah, I received a pacemaker. I spent 8 months in the hospital during Covid-19. Post accident,my everyday life has come with challenges I never imagined. For a while,I was without reliable transportation, (hence this is year 4) which made it difficult to take care of my health , to get to places, stay active in the community , and see my loved ones. I desire a sense of normalcy in real life. Recently, I was able to get an accessible van which has been a huge blessing. Having a van allows me to attend doctor’s appointments & go to therapy. Therapy is critical for my recovery to regain strength & work towards independence.I’m at risk of losing my placement in the Shepherd Center (ATLANTA,GA) as the attendance policy is strict. Having the van will also help me reconnect with life outside my home. After everything I’ve been through, being able to get out and interact in the community again means so much to me. The van comes with an overwhelmingly financial burden. The cost of gas, notes,maintenance, and especially insurance are very expensive , and I’m-struggling to keep up. Although I’m doing everything possible to rebuild and reach my goals, I need support to continue this journey. Any amount, no matter how small, would help. Also support by sharing. Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and encouragement.

 -MESHA B.