Maria's Lift

My name is Virginia Dorame (Parker), and I am fundraising on behalf of my incredible & resilient (almost 91-year-old) mother, Maria Isela Dorame, who is in need of a wheelchair lift for our home. Maria Isela, or "Welita," as she has been so lovingly called by friends and neighbors, has been a pillar of strength, comfort and safety to her family, friends and neighbors. She's always had her door and kitchen open to anyone in need of a place to stay, hungry for a good home-cooked meal, or a hot cup of coffee and conversation. She has worked tirelessly all her life. Starting as a nanny and housekeeper, to working in the dusty factories of Downtown L.A., she waitressed in Olvera Street, worked as a seamstress, packed shrimp at a warehouse, she's sewn mattresses -- all labor-intensive jobs -- all to support her immediate and extended family and help her friends and neighbors. Now, she needs a little bit of help herself. We have had the good fortune to have recently moved into a new, comfortable home; however, there are stairs that have several steep steps to enter/exit the home. Since she was diagnosed with Alzheimers and has had several strokes, every day has presented several challenges. She is very fragile and weak, is wheelchair bound, can no longer speak and can barely take ten steps with assistance. With your help, we can reach our goal of installing a wheelchair lift to grant her the opportunity to be taken out to enjoy the outdoors and to feel included in social activities, and above all else, to be safely transported in and out of our home.

The lack of accessibility has placed a heavy burden on my daughter Sarah and granddaughter Audrey. I cannot lift her since I am physically disabled. She spends most of her day in her wheelchair watching old episodes of, "I Love Lucy," and her favorite talk show, "Tamron Hall." She loves Tamron Hall and is the most animated when she sees her. We would love to take her out in her wheelchair for a walk, but taking Maria out has become increasingly difficult and sometimes dangerous for her and for us as she has to be carried up and down the stairs. Taking her out of the house is a process that has be well thought out and planned and involves at least two-able bodied people. My mother relies completely on 24/7 care and assistance due to her progressive condition, however, she possesses an incredible will to live. A wheelchair lift isn't just a piece of equipment; it represents freedom and dignity for her. It will allow us to move her safely in and out of our home and it will alleviate a significant physical and emotional strain for us all and give her back a sense of normalcy.

The estimated cost for a wheelchair lift that is professionally installed is approximately $10,000-$15,000, an amount of money that we do not have. We know this is a significant amount, but any contribution, no matter the size, will bring us one step closer to our goal. Your generosity will have a direct and immediate impact on Maria Isela's quality of life and will significantly help us as her caregivers as well. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our story with your network. From the bottom of our hearts, we send you love, wish you & your loved ones health and happiness, and thank you for all your support.