Amy’s Accessible Vehicle for Independence

My journey with multiple sclerosis began in 2003, when I was told to "get my affairs in order" because my cognitive abilities would soon decline. Instead of giving in, I pushed forward, earning my MBA in 2011 after losing my job during the recession. The stress of finishing my degree caused a relapse, and by 2012, I was on disability. Life threw more and more challenges my way, including a difficult divorce and a shocking thyroid removal as it was also cancerous, but I’ve always relied on my resilience and the support of friends who have become family.

Today, I use a wheelchair full-time. Unfortunately, the chair medicare provided doesn’t even fit through any doors in my home except for the front door, and my current vehicle—a Subaru recommended for people with disabilities—hasn’t met my needs. I can’t pump my own gas with the tank on the passenger side, and the wheelchair lift I installed proved the vehicle was not strong enough to safely transport my chair. My caregiver is incredible, but his health is also declining, making it even harder to get to appointments and run errands. Despite these obstacles, I’m grateful for my support system, which has helped me through so much.

A wheelchair accessible vehicle would be life-changing for me. With the right setup, as the one I actually found across the country, I could regain some independence, drive myself using hand controls, and easily transport my wheelchair with the ease of a push of a button. It would also allow my mom to ride with me, which makes it even more of a dream come true. This vehicle would mean freedom—freedom to get to medical appointments, see friends, and handle daily tasks without always relying on others. After 22 years of fighting MS, I’m ready to reclaim some of the independence that’s been taken from me.

Everyone that knows me, knows that THIS is the hardest thing I have ever done in my 49 yrs of life. MS forced me to learn to ask for help which was beyond humbling to me, but actually asking for financial help is almost painful to me as I have hated to ask anyone for anything my entire life. I took great pride in my independence before this, even owning my own store in eastern Kentucky. Now I am realizing that I can not manage everything on my own and even with my small family of a support system I have exhausted all avenues and being only on Medicare and unable to qualify for ANY extra help or assistance was easier for me to digest that having to ask for help like this.