Help Annette Antene get a Used Wheelchair Accessible Van

Our dear friend Annette Antene, a vibrant soul in her early 70s, is facing a rare and progressive disease that most people have never heard of — Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). This condition has gradually taken away her mobility and independence, but it hasn't taken her spirit.

What is Inclusion Body Myositis?

IBM is a rare muscle-wasting disease that slowly causes severe muscle weakness, especially in the legs, arms, and hands. Over time, it makes simple daily tasks difficult or impossible, including walking, standing, or even holding a cup. Unlike many other neuromuscular diseases, IBM has no cure and limited treatment options, and it progresses even with therapy.

Annette’s journey with IBM was long and difficult — it took over 10 years to receive an accurate diagnosis. During that time, Annette worked as a proofreader at Michaels for over 22 years, bringing creativity and care to her work and customers. Unfortunately, her position was eliminated, which marked a difficult turning point in her career.

As her symptoms worsened, she experienced increasing falls, struggled to walk even with a cane, and eventually became reliant on a wheelchair.

Earlier this year, a severe fall left her unable to get up without emergency help. Since then, getting out of bed or leaving the house has become even more difficult — making a wheelchair-accessible van not just helpful, but essential to reclaim any freedom of movement.

Her husband, Kip, is now facing health issues of his own and can no longer manage lifting her 123-pound travel chair, “Rover,” into the car. The larger chair she truly needs, nicknamed “Big Blue,” weighs over 400 pounds and can’t be transported without a wheelchair-accessible van.

Big Blue provides crucial support and comfort, while the smaller chair causes pain during extended use — making access to the right mobility equipment not just a matter of convenience, but of health and dignity.

She is no longer able to work and now lives on a greatly reduced income.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Annette is in urgent need of a wheelchair-accessible van. This specially-equipped vehicle would allow her to travel safely with her wheelchair and regain some of the independence this disease has taken from her. These USED vans can be very expensive — often ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on the equipment and modifications required.

We’re asking for your kindness and generosity to help raise $13,000 for a down payment a USED vehicle. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact Annette’s quality of life and allow her to move through the world with greater ease and dignity.