Donate to Brielle: Car Repairs & Wheelchair Ramp

Help Me Fix My Car & Install a Wheelchair Ramp!

Hi everyone,

My name is Brielle Combs and I’m reaching out for help to raise $15,000 to get mine and my Nana's car back on the road and install a rear-entry wheelchair ramp. Reliable transportation is essential for me, and right now, my car is in need of repairs. On top of that, I’ve been working towards getting a wheelchair ramp installed, but I still need additional funds to make it happen.

Why This Matters

Having a dependable car is more than just convenience—it’s my freedom and independence. The ability to get to medical appointments, run errands, and simply go out without struggle is something many take for granted, and right now, I’m facing challenges that make everyday life harder.

Where Your Help Goes

• Car Repairs: Getting my vehicle back in safe, working condition.

• Wheelchair Ramp: The final amount needed to install a rear-entry wheelchair ramp, making my car fully accessible for my granddaughter.

Meet Brielle, our pretty amazing and sweet 4-year-old little girl. She is quiet, loves to giggle and play games on the eye-gaze computer, watch Coco melon, and basketball with her grandpa.

Brielle was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in January of 2021.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 females (and even more rarely in males) and begins to display itself in missed milestones or regression at 6-18 months. Rett syndrome leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of life: ability to speak, walk, eat and breathe easily. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake. Cognitive assessment in children with Rett syndrome is complicated, but they understand far more than they can communicate to us, evidenced by their bright and attentive eyes, and their ability to express a wide spectrum of moods and emotions.

Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 900 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene, most found in eight different “hot spots.” Rett syndrome is not a degenerative disorder with individuals living to middle age or beyond.

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of speech

• Loss of purposeful use of hands

• Involuntary hand movements

• Loss of mobility or gait disturbances

• Loss of muscle tone

• Seizures or Rett “episodes”

• Scoliosis

• Breathing issues

• Sleep disturbances

• GI Issues

• Slowed rate of growth for head, feet and hands

Currently there is no cure, and no treatment.

How does Rett affect Brielle?

Rett syndrome presents significant challenges and affects every aspect of Brielle’s life. But Brielle faces each day with bright eyes and wonder. She connects with everyone who comes into her life, from her doctors to her teacher and therapist, and doesn’t say a word. Her facial expressions let you know how her day is going. It has been a true learning experience. She is a blessing.

Brielle utilizes a wheelchair, a stander, a gait trainer, has a G-tube for feeding, Has an ACC device communication device, positioning chair, and various other medical equipment that will aid her to be able to live her life to it’s fullest.

Being disabled is expensive. Having a disabled child is expensive. Between the medical expenses, travel expense, therapy equipment, communication device and accessories, the adaptive home equipment, and the undeniable financial stress that comes with trying to provide a deserving equitable life for any disabled child. There are grants that will help and I am looking and applying for them. They take time and have deadlines and requirements that we may or may not meet. They also do not cover the entire cost of customizing to van to meet Brielle's needs.

We have, however, found a vendor who will do the conversion, and we received a partial grant to help with the cost of the conversion to a rear entry minivan. (we have 90 days to use), the total cost is 18,000.

We as a family are all in for her, and though we will always do everything within our means and ability to give her everything she needs, some things are just outside of that. We always pray that we will find a way to support and give her the best life possible.

Having a wheelchair accessible van will change not only Brielle’s life but ours as well. We appreciate and are grateful for any support given to help reach this goal.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to giving my granddaughter the mobility and opportunities she deserves. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can give. Your kindness and generosity will make a life-changing difference