Get Geri a Wheelchair Van That is Safe!

FEBRUARY 27 UPDATE: I wanted to share a message from Geri:

“Thank you to all those that have made donations from the start and most recently since the Feb 7th update was posted. I’m grateful not only for the generous donations but to those also willing to share and reach out to your network. The van currently has no heat, which makes the need for a new van a different kind of necessary. My “ladies” - the aides who get me out - are not only cold, but hesitant to drive the van we have because they feel it isn’t safe.

I have many upcoming medical appointments, which makes the van crucial. I also have some speaking engagements that I am excited for. The first is at the Westchester Women’s Summit on March 10th, followed by a school presentation on March 15th in Trumbull, CT.

No adequate words to convey my gratitude to everyone for continuing to share and show support for me. ”

THANK YOU to so many who have donated!!!

We are almost there, but we need more to reach our goal of getting Geri a wheelchair accessible van! The dilapidated van that Geri has now, has broken down again. It is no longer a reliable or safe option. Geri's mission in life is to inspire and motivate people any way she can, namely through her speaking engagements. Our mission is to help her safely get to these speaking engagements, as well as to important doctor appointments. Please help us help this very special lady. For those who have donated already, Thank You! We encourage you to share this link to your network. We need big hearts to reach a big goal and make an even bigger impact in someone's life!!!

A BIT ABOUT GERI:

Geri Mariano is a well-known, beloved member of the Armonk, NY community.  Born with Diastrophic Dysplasia (Dwarfism), a hereditary condition affecting bones and cartilage, life has not been easy for Geri. Nonetheless, she has defied all odds and has dedicated her life to inspiring, encouraging and helping others.   Her family moved to the town 50 years ago as the school district accepted her as a Kindergarten student in 1972.  Geri is not one to ask for help, but those close to her are very concerned about the safety of the wheelchair van she currently has. After surgeries have left her permanently wheelchair reliant, she needs a modified van to get around.  Her 2005 used van is on its last legs with no heat, no AC, questionable brakes and often does not start. Geri deserves better than this! The obstacle is that these vans are expensive, so Geri has been trying her best to keep fixing her old junker. We who have known Geri from growing up and those who know her more recently all love Geri.  She has been a 30+ year fixture at the polls on Election Days, welcoming and assisting voters with a smile, too.

Many often wonder how we can help this special lady...so here is an opportunity to do so by helping us get her a safe and reliable WC-accessible van.  A durable vehicle to have her home care aides bring her to medical appts in NYC and elsewhere is very important. We want her to continue her talks with students about acceptance and share her inspirational story of perseverance and resilience with other audiences.  

To learn more about Geri, we encourage you to look at her website: www.justcallmegeri.com