My name is Katie and I'd like to introduce my lovely friends, Alyssa and Dustin. Alyssa has been suffering from chronic health problems since she was a child and is currently an artist. Dustin is in the Navy. Alyssa and Dustin entered their relationship fully prepared for the fact that her health would likely be rocky, but they never imagined it would get so bad so quickly.
Alyssa became disabled following a routine colonoscopy in 2017. She walked into the hospital and woke up hours after the procedure without the strength to even roll herself over in bed. After many months of intense physical therapy she eventually regained strength to move around with a rollator. Over the next several years she rolled around through life with a rollator. Then in 2022 following a year of progressively worsening health, she found herself bed bound. The act of going from the bedroom to the bathroom just became too risky. At that time they invested in a used small power wheelchair. “The clunker," as she named it, drastically improved her life, bringing her joy and freedom. She was finally able to go on walks again, to enjoy a day out, and even go to the store! She now has an insurance provided, adjustable power chair. It provides her the ability to lay back, raise her legs, and be much safer out and about on her own. Unfortunately it probably weighs over 300 lbs, and requires the use of a mobility vehicle to transport it. Without a mobility vehicle, it cannot be used outside of the home, so they've been relying on the clunker. The problem is: the clunker isn't that light either. It breaks down into three separate parts that Dustin then loads into the trunk and back out, reassembling at each destination. Each part weighs 40-60 lbs. Unfortunately, Dustin’s back has taken damage from this continual process and now has vertebrae in his lower back pushing out against each other. This option is no longer tenable for his health.
Dustin and Alyssa were hoping to put off the inevitable purchase of a mobility vehicle one more year so they could save up a little more money. Unfortunately with the shape of Dustin’s back and an onset of some newer symptoms for Alyssa, they can no longer wait. Because of Alyssa's chronic health issues, she needs transportation to frequent medical appointments. And if you know anything about San Diego, you know it's impossible to get everywhere you need to go using public transportation.
Alyssa and Dustin have found a vehicle that appears to fit their needs. Unfortunately, mobility vehicles on average cost $10,000-25,000 more than the price of the same unaltered vehicle and banks specializing in mobility vehicle loans will only approve with an incredibly large down payment. We are trying to raise as much as possible towards the down payment, so that Alyssa and Dustin can get a loan for a mobility vehicle. Alyssa recently posted, "As scary as this can be, we are trusting that God will provide the necessary funds as we will continue to do our part to save up."
If any couple in the world is deserving of this gift, it's Alyssa and Dustin. The commitment and love they have for each other is inspiring! They focus their time on making memories together, cherishing and finding joy in the small things, getting ice cream, watching a sunset together. Their life together is simple, but so full of love.
If you've been lucky enough to live a life without chronic health problems, a life where you can walk around, run your own errands, and drive a normal car, please consider helping a couple who is surely deserving. Every little bit helps - any amount! It is so much appreciated.
