Driving independence for us after so many years

Hi, I’m Mary and I’m fundraising to help myself get a handicapped accessible van that fits me and my Service Dog, so I can gain my independence back and drive into the Sunset with her. First off I would like you to know I’m not one to ask for help. Sometimes my pride stands in my way but I feel in this case I have to put that pride aside. With that said,  I’m 49 years old born with Spina Bifida and Chiari Malformation which has no cure. Since I am permanently disabled, I do not work. I depend on Social Security to get things done for myself. I live in NJ and have been here all my life.

 I have had many different surgeries throughout life including multiple  brain surgeries, multiple spinal surgeries, feet surgeries, recent kidney failure which put me into a coma for 3 days. When I awoke from the coma I couldn’t talk nor did I recognize family. It took months in the hospital, Physical therapy to gain some strength  and motor skills therapy to learn to hold a fork the proper way. l ultimately found myself a paraplegic at 26 years old due to the Spinal issues.

 I like to travel yet I’m not rich so day trips it is, for us. My Service Dog and I travel together so she can be there for when I need her. Access link is how we get around. I do have a license but I do not have the means to afford the vehicle I’ll need for these needs. I’ve been using NJTransit to get around to Dr’s appointments and some social events like parks and beaches. I like the outdoors but it’s getting kind of rough on my body having to catch a bus everywhere I go. My head and body are aging but I’d love to do more because my brain is saying to go go. I realize handicapped accessible vehicles are expensive and I’ve never had a new reliable one at my fingertips and would be grateful to get any help I can to get to my goal of owning one of my own.

Thank you for taking time out to read my story.

#ChiariMalformation

#SpinaBifida