Let's Get Some Wheels Dougiestyle

I am introducing myself to the public. I am Douglas Gillette, a 32-year-old African American male parapalegic. On June 4th, I will be celebrating my 10 year anniversary of being spinal cancer FREE. The name of my spinal cancer is Gangluineuroblastoma. I'm under the care of Dr. Stephanie Cho at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. I'm the only one in the United States to have had it in the whole length of my spine (from C2 to T11) and it's gone now--I'm in remission. But the surgeries took away some of my mobility.

I was born and raised by my grandparents, John A. Gillette and Coreen V. Gillette, in Lynn, MA. I am a graduate of the following Lynn Schools: Sisson Elementary, Pickering Junior High, and Lynn English High School (2002). I was a mulitalented athlete, especially in basketball (2002 Conference Champion). I live in a handicapped-accessible apartment with the help of personal care attendants (PCAs).

In the beginning of my spinal cord cancer, I was independent and in a manual wheel chair. After having more spinal surgeries, I lost mobility in my left arm and right hand. Presently I'm in a power wheelchair.

Since 2011, I have been peer-mentoring other people with disabilities and helping them in any other way for the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Association at Charlestown Spaulding Rehabilitation in Boston as a volunteer.

I'm reaching out because I have a 10-year-old daughter, Arianna Gillette, and I need reliable transportation to be a part of her activities and life and for my independence. I have a hand-control license, I just need the van.

In addition to this campaign, on Friday, June 17, 2016, I'm having a fundraiser at LynnArts, 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA from 6 pm to 11 pm. Tickets/Donations are $25. Hope you can make it!

There will be prizes, beverages, cash bar, beer and wine, appetizers, entertainment and more!

Handicapped-Accessible though the rear of the building.