From Client to Clinician: Angel Frechette

Ways to Give:

I kindly ask that you please consider donating to my efforts here to have safe, reliable, accessible transportation! 

• I am raising funds for a (pre-owned) 2021 Honda Odyssey Touring (with a side-entry wheelchair ramp & safety tie-downs for my chair). 
• I've recently made efforts to work with a Nevada state disability program & was able to have half the cost of the van funded ($35,000 of the total $75,000)!
• Between my own funds & the help of this campaign, my goal is to raise as close to the remaining $35,000 as possible to be able to purchase this modified van!
  

Donating any dollar amount & sharing on your socials/with others makes a bigger impact than you realize. I appreciate all your thoughts, love, and support!

The above brief statement is for those who just want to know the gist of it and/or need no convincing to share/donate. But to really get to know me and understand how important this is, please take a moment to read my full story below (:

Thank you, and I hope to see you on the road very soon!

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I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.

– Ralph Braun, Founder of the Braun Corporation/BraunAbility

28 years ago, I was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). Discovered in utero, I was born with stiff, inflexible joints (contractures), no mobility in my arms/legs, & overall lack of muscle development. I use a power wheelchair to get around each day. I use a mouth stick as my “hands” to move objects, type, etc. I write by holding a pen in my mouth. And I require wheelchair accessible transportation to get to/from my clinical rotations, future job, grocery store, visit family/friends, etc....

10 years ago, I thought attending college solely online was the only option for me… then I went on to

7 years ago, I never thought I could lead an active, independent lifestyle outside of the college life simulation where everything I needed existed within 358 acres of paved concrete & automatic doors… then I went on to

5 years ago, I never thought I could find a loving partner who would be willing to carry the burden of my disabled life nor accept that I will never tousle his hair, check his temperature when he’s sick, or make him banana pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning without him having to lift a finger… then I went on to meet Mr. Impossible who loves me for all that I am & all that I can give. He’s taken care of me & supported me in ways I never thought would be tolerated, & I find the deepest love & pleasure in knowing that he needs me as much as I need him.

3 years ago, I still lived with the assumption that the physically disabled were only meant for desk jobs… then I went on to celebrate my last day (of nearly 4 years) at DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center as Program Manager so I could focus on 12 months of clinical rotations for my graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) for New York University (NYU).

9 months ago, I walked into my very first SLP clinical rotation having no clue how I was going to remember everything I’ve learned at NYU and provide therapy services to elementary schoolers with their own challenges, all while navigating my disability... then I went on to

With all my trials, tribulations, and successes, none of them were done 100% independently. Disability or not, we all lean on our loved ones in some way to guide us through nearly every moment of life. Contrary to popular belief, accessible transportation (and many other necessary accommodations) is not covered by insurance nor affordable with the average income.

2 months ago, when the transportation I was relying on started to break down and my caregiver unexpectedly left that same week, I didn’t think I could finish these clinical rotations let alone complete my Master’s degree...

I kindly ask that you please consider donating to my efforts here to have reliable transportation! The vehicle I am raising funds for is a used 2021 Honda Odyssey Touring with a side-entry wheelchair ramp and safety tie-downs for my chair. In recent months I've made efforts to work with a Nevada state disability program and was able to have half the cost of the van ($35,000 of the total $75,000) funded! Between my funds and your support in this campaign, I hope to raise as close to the remaining $35,000 as possible to be able to purchase this wheelchair accessible van! Time is of the essence so I can successfully complete my clinicals and graduate with Master's in SLP!

Donating any dollar amount and sharing on your socials/with others makes a bigger impact than you realize. I appreciate all your thoughts, love, and support. Thank you, and I hope to see you on the road very soon!