For those of you who know me you are aware that I'm physically disabled and fought to maintain my mobility no matter what. I was ambulatory with crutches for 37 years. I had a successful career in the wireless telecommunications industry. I worked both domestically and abroad. I have no regrets as I've accomplished things that many able-bodied people have not.

I've had 44 surgeries to date and I'm now bedridden and only able to lay on my back. I'm totally dependent on others for my care. I'm a very positive person and I always say "it could be a whole lot worse, just look around you." I have to rely on transport by gurney to get to all doctor’s appointments. My medical care is very complex and requires approximately one doctor's appointment per week to ensure I receive proper treatment for my multiple conditions.

My gurney transportation is coordinated and paid for by my medical insurance. They contract with two providers that serve my area. I schedule all my transportation to my appointments in advance through my insurance company and they find an available provider and confirm with me. Over the past year I've been unable to get to my doctor’s appointments despite reconfirming the day before that all arrangements are in place. The providers are claiming either I'm not on their schedule or I have canceled which is not true.

I was only recently made aware by my insurance company that there is a grievance and appeals process for issues with the medical transport providers. To date I've missed in excess of 20 appointments. It's a very time-consuming process. It's been several months and to date there has been no resolution. I filed a grievance for the last four consecutive appointments that I missed. There have been a lot of additional appointments that I should have scheduled but I haven't because I'm not confident I will be able to get to them. I have some conditions that are worsening because I'm not able to receive the necessary medical care by a physician. At this point my only access to medical care outside my home is the emergency room by private ambulance which is difficult to do as there is only one company that takes my insurance. The emergency room is not where I should go to receive the specialized care that I require. I need to be treated in a clinical setting by my care team where they are familiar with my case.

At this point we need to purchase our own gurney and wheelchair accessible vehicle to be driven by family members to ensure I can get to my appointments and hospital as needed. My wife, who is my primary care provider, uses a wheelchair. This will allow her to accompany me to doctor’s appointments, Emergency Department and in-patient hospital stays. Normally I go alone by ambulance and she is unable to join me. As my wife and primary care provider, she can ensure that I get the proper care as she is my best advocate. Without her there, despite my explaining everything in detail, the doctors fail to understand the complexity of my case. Additionally, it makes it easier for my wife to get to her doctor’s appointments as well.

We need to purchase a Van that is both gurney and wheelchair accessible. This is something we have to buy only once as it will only be used for medical purposes.

We know that this will take time to raise necessary funds. No gift is too small as it all adds up. Anything you can afford would be greatly appreciated.