Get Nelson A Wheelchair Van

Hello, my name is Carmen; I don't know how this usually works. This idea started one day at work, I was talking with two friends about the high price of a Wheelchair Accessible Van and they told me about Go Fund Me to reach the goal of money with your help.

I met my fiancé, Nelson, 8 years ago and I knew he had been with Multiple Sclerosis for over 11 years, but this disease did not affect his life or mobility. I didn't see him with a disease, rather I saw him as a loving, caring and friendly person. We enjoyed our weekends, always laughing and thinking about our plans for the future. We both entered the relationship with past failed marriages and I guess that's what brought us closer together. 

When we were two years together, his health started declining...he began to have less mobility in his legs and upper extremities, to the point that he could no longer move his arms to eat or scratch his nose. He recently had to receive disability after 35 years of working with Florida Power & Light. Nelson is an outgoing, ambitious, fun man, father of two young men, full of a positive and hopeful outlook for the future based on his spirituality and belief in God.

It is now over 19 years of Nelson battling MS and our daily struggles that come with it. I am limited to the number of days that I can work since I am the one who take care of him and prepares it day by day (grooming, bathing, feeding, masseuse and more). The days that I can work, we get up at 2:00 am to get it ready before I go to work.

A week ago, our car finally broke down. It was a normal car, not suitable for a wheelchair. When we have to move Nelson we have to rent a wheelchair van. Due to the overwhelming medical cost and lack of caregiver options not covered by his insurance, our debt has increased due to my inability to work full time to care for Nelson. We are trying to consolidate the debt we currently have so we can raise the money for a replacement van that can meet our needs and provide a better form of transportation to Nelson's medical and therapy appointments as well as maintain a normal life.

We have done our research and found out that a used wheelchair accessible van would cost around $45,000 dollars. Our goal is to get as much help as we possibly can to minimize the impact to our household budget. I would greatly appreciate any donations that you can give.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my story, much appreciated, Carmen.