Fundraiser For " LOGAN'S RIDE"

Welcome, Welcome! I am Valerie and I would like thank all of you so very much for taking the time to read our wee story.

Almost 20 years ago, I was blessed with twin boys, Lucas and Logan. Actually, we only had 3 frozen embryos left-only one survived the thawing. They actually split naturally and after only 28 weeks, they showed their adorable little faces. Logan was a whopping 2.13lbs and Lucas was 2.12lbs. 11 months later, Logan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. We were lost, confused, devastated. Years later, Lucas was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy aswell and once again our lives were shattered. Although Lucas is high functioning and quite independent, they have both endured so many battles and challenges. It is with this that I now reach out. It is our hope to raise enough money for an accessible family vehicle so that we can travel together safely. Usually I am more comfortable handling life on my own but I find myself unable to pull this one off. In 2010, we were fortunate enough to receive funds from Presidents Choice Children's Foundation to buy our baby blue Town and Country. I'm sure that many of you have seen "Logan's Ride" on our bumper around town. Unfortunately, PC doesn't do this anymore and there are no other foundations that offer the same opportunity. We only need to raise funds for the vehicle itself. March of Dimes covers the majority cost of the conversion which is still $15,000. The only stipulation is that the vehicle cannot be more than 5 years old. My boyfriend Shawn and Logan have been keeping an eye out. We saw a video showing a Chevy Traverse converted and it was very impressive. It was shown with a side entrance and the seats were removable so Logan could go right up to the front. Logan could finally shout out "Shotgun". Logan hasn't been in the van because I was unsure for his safety. I just took it off the road a few weeks ago. It has definitely been good to us for the past 14 years. However it has been showing it's age. It just doesn't seem to have any "get up and go" now. It has creeks and cracks where it never used to, it's complexion has become quite dry, rusty and flakey and just recently it has difficultly getting up and down the driveway, not to mention some drool around the engine, lol. Logan is pretty tired off hanging around the house, missing outings and gatherings and he would like to get into a social program so he can make some friends. But God love em', he rarely complains. Actually he has a Super Power of MOOD IMPROVEMENT becauseof his Super Smile. One look at that and suddenly things feel better. That Super smile is the first thing I see when I wake him every morning. No sooner are his eyes open, that smile appears.

I know that there are so many people out there with they're own incredible stories and my heart goes out to all of you. I completely emphasize with you and hope your time is increasingly brighter.

Again, we are so very grateful for any support possible. In these difficult times it is understandable that many cannot give at this time but perhaps you could forward our story to others or if you have any ideas or suggestions that might help, we are all ears . We would love to hear from you and I know Logan would be thrilled. He is a social chatter box. You've been warned lol.

Most sincerely,

Valerie

MESSAGE FROM LOGAN

Hello there,I'm Logan. I know that this is a gigantic ask but I'm looking for some help so we can get a new (used) vehicle. Our van is currently "out of commission ". I appreciate that I get out and about sometimes because my mom's boyfriend Shawn bought a super nice truck recently. I feel very safe in his truck and he let's me put the key in and start it. I am his co-pilot because now I can ride up front! I do need to be physically picked up out of my wheelchair and put in the seat and he has a ramp so we can put my chair in the back. Both Shawn and my brother Lucas are strong enough to put me in. It takes quite a few pillows to get me comfortable and I can't see over the dashboard but I don't mind. I'm just happy to get out. I don't have the use of my right hand/arm or the use of my legs. My brother Lucas is such an amazing help to me, I probably don't tell him that enough. I need to give massive credit to him because if I didn't have him, I don't know where I would be and I would feel twice as alone without him. He helps a lot with my care and can always make me laugh. He's hilarious, especially when he talks with his Scottish or Australian accents.

I've had two major hip surgeries, one when I was 7 and the other when I was 14. Both times I had the surgery at Toronto Sickkids Hospital then after a week there my Mom and I were off to Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital for another 10 weeks or so. Actually we got our 2008 Town and Country while we were at Bloorview the first time. I'm waiting for a third surgery for my spine and right wrist. Luke was always by my side. He always looks out for me.

Shawn and I have been researching the cost of newer vehicles for a few months now. We have come up with a goal amount of $60,000. We hope that will cover the cost of a newer used vehicle and if there is money needed to help with the conversion.

Thanks for listening!