Driving Dream for Marilyn Borden
Donation protected
Marilyn Borden is a woman with a remarkable outlook on life…living joyfully, the life she was dealt as a Cerebral Palsy host. I can’t say she suffers from…or is a victim of…because she doesn’t engage in sorrowful reflection. She is a woman of faith who expressed reservations about my bold outreach on her behalf. After thinking about it, she assured me that the results would be the product of a preordained response.
Although she experiences limited mobility in her legs and is unable to walk without the use of canes; she has been blessed with good manual dexterity in her hands. Nine years ago, Marilyn was evaluated and found to be a good candidate for a hand control equipped vehicle. She was excited at the prospect of the freedom and independence which driving would have provided since she has, thus far, been wholly dependent on others for her transportation needs. When it was determined that her employment must be terminated to qualify for a government subsidy, she sadly relinquished the thought. She was unable to finance the vehicle on her own and unwilling to surrender her job, of now 20 years, so that it could be funded in this way. Her dream of obtaining a vehicle and gaining this independence was dashed and lay dormant all these years.
Marilyn and I are high school classmates. When we got together for a small, hometown gathering recently, she spoke of her missed opportunity as we caught up on life and I quickly realized that this dream was still a glowing ember, ready to reignite. I urged her to reconsider this dream of driving through the avenue of crowdfunding and here we are. She has since had a meeting with vocational rehabilitation to be reevaluated for driving and plans to move forward with some type of vehicle which gives her that driving independence.
I am trying to help Marilyn realize a small portion of independence and mobility commonly experience by those who are physically unimpaired. Therefore, I am campaigning on her behalf for funds to purchase a minivan which has under 30,000 miles which would be modified for her driving needs. This lower-mileage vehicle is what vocational rehabilitation case workers said is needed to justify the expense of modifying the vehicle. The modifications and driving lessons will be taken care of if her evaluation determines her to be a good candidate. Moderately-priced minivans in this mileage group range from $25,000 to $33,000. An enclosed mobility scooter with heat and air ($5,595) will be consider as an alternative for her driving independence if a full-sized, passenger vehicle is not an option. Any donated funds will be put to use for this goal regardless of which vehicle is appropriate for her capabilities. If enough funds are generated, she will be purchasing either a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. A Qpod is what she thinks would work best if she needs to go with a mobility scooter.
As somebody blessed with good health, I can’t begin to know how her life has been impacted by the daily challenges of CP. As her friend, I am touched by her humility and steadfast joy in the face of adversity and would be honored to effect this change in her life.
Marilyn finds great satisfaction in living as self-reliant as possible. She loves working and takes pride in being a productive member of her community. It is for this reason that I feel she is abundantly deserving of some good fortune, should you find your way clear to donate to this special cause. I assure you that it will be humbly and gratefully received.
Blessings, thank you for reading...please share her story!
Although she experiences limited mobility in her legs and is unable to walk without the use of canes; she has been blessed with good manual dexterity in her hands. Nine years ago, Marilyn was evaluated and found to be a good candidate for a hand control equipped vehicle. She was excited at the prospect of the freedom and independence which driving would have provided since she has, thus far, been wholly dependent on others for her transportation needs. When it was determined that her employment must be terminated to qualify for a government subsidy, she sadly relinquished the thought. She was unable to finance the vehicle on her own and unwilling to surrender her job, of now 20 years, so that it could be funded in this way. Her dream of obtaining a vehicle and gaining this independence was dashed and lay dormant all these years.
Marilyn and I are high school classmates. When we got together for a small, hometown gathering recently, she spoke of her missed opportunity as we caught up on life and I quickly realized that this dream was still a glowing ember, ready to reignite. I urged her to reconsider this dream of driving through the avenue of crowdfunding and here we are. She has since had a meeting with vocational rehabilitation to be reevaluated for driving and plans to move forward with some type of vehicle which gives her that driving independence.
I am trying to help Marilyn realize a small portion of independence and mobility commonly experience by those who are physically unimpaired. Therefore, I am campaigning on her behalf for funds to purchase a minivan which has under 30,000 miles which would be modified for her driving needs. This lower-mileage vehicle is what vocational rehabilitation case workers said is needed to justify the expense of modifying the vehicle. The modifications and driving lessons will be taken care of if her evaluation determines her to be a good candidate. Moderately-priced minivans in this mileage group range from $25,000 to $33,000. An enclosed mobility scooter with heat and air ($5,595) will be consider as an alternative for her driving independence if a full-sized, passenger vehicle is not an option. Any donated funds will be put to use for this goal regardless of which vehicle is appropriate for her capabilities. If enough funds are generated, she will be purchasing either a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. A Qpod is what she thinks would work best if she needs to go with a mobility scooter.
As somebody blessed with good health, I can’t begin to know how her life has been impacted by the daily challenges of CP. As her friend, I am touched by her humility and steadfast joy in the face of adversity and would be honored to effect this change in her life.
Marilyn finds great satisfaction in living as self-reliant as possible. She loves working and takes pride in being a productive member of her community. It is for this reason that I feel she is abundantly deserving of some good fortune, should you find your way clear to donate to this special cause. I assure you that it will be humbly and gratefully received.
Blessings, thank you for reading...please share her story!
Organizer
Sherri Garner Kennedy
Organizer
Russellville, MO