Hi everyone,

As most of you know I’ve struggled with reliable transportation for a very long time. Even when I had transportation, it was painful to sit in a seat that was not my own wheelchair. I’ve been able to make do the last few years when living in San Diego, but moving back inland has made it impossible to get anywhere. I currently just finished my first semester of grad school where we have opportunities to gain hours for licensure. Unfortunately, due to my lack of transportation, I have missed out on these opportunities and a way to become established in my career. Not to mention, I have had to miss a handful of doctors appointments as there’s no option for county-to-county medical transport.

This gofundme would go towards a down payment + fees for a 2020 Toyota Sienna that is fully converted into an accessible van. I would be able to ride in my own wheelchair. I would be able to blast music down PCH with friends. My friends and I wouldn’t have to rent a van just to go out for the day. I wouldn’t have to spend extra time waiting on public transit where I feel myself and my chair are not safely considered. I would be able to pursue my dreams. I would have long-awaited independence and freedom. I would have a life.

I’ve always had an insanely hard time asking for help. Even when friends have suggested crowdsourcing in the past I’ve always felt guilty and tried to find another way of obtaining an accessible van myself, but this truly is my only option. Any help would be so deeply appreciated <3 Even if you can’t donate, sharing would be enough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Dear all,

For your information and complete transparency:

I am a good friend making this Gofundme on behalf of Ashley, who would be disqualified from receiving her disability benefits if she suddenly came into the large sum of money necessary to buy her an accessible van (aka freedom). Currently, she has no reliable transportation to meet her basic daily needs and career goals as she attends graduate school in Southern California. Public transport and streets are unreliable and unsafe for a disabled woman to use in this area. At this time, if a medical emergency were to occur, her only way to get to the hospital is by $10,000 ambulance ride. With an accessible van, Ashley would gain long awaited independence in her daily life. We will be signing on the car together to keep her right to disability payments intact. Under current federal financial regulations for the disabled population, forced poverty is the norm. There are limitations to the assets a disabled person can have in their name before they are disqualified from federal financial assistance. These limitations have inhumane and violent consequences.

Please consider giving. If you have little to spare, $7-10, would make a huge difference. Your donations are life-changing. Thank you.

-Madeline E.