Imagine losing the ability to walk at just 15 years old.

That happened to my niece, Becky.

But losing the use of her legs never stopped Becky from building a full and independent life. She graduated from college, began a career, got married, became a mother, and spent more than 30 years working incredibly hard to maintain the independence so many of us take for granted.

Now, at 48 and as a single mother, Becky is facing the possibility of losing some of that independence all over again.

After decades of living with paraplegia, the physical toll on Becky's body has become significant. Complications have made it impossible for her to continue meeting the physical demands of her job, but she remains as active and independent as possible. She maintains her household, volunteers in her community, and, most importantly, is a devoted full-time mom to her daughter.

For Becky, having reliable transportation isn't simply a convenience. It's her connection to the world around her. It allows her to run errands, attend appointments, participate in her community, and show up for all the school activities, events, and everyday moments that matter to her daughter.

This July, Becky took her 2006 wheelchair-accessible van in for repairs and received devastating news: the damage was significant, and the van could not be repaired.

Replacing a vehicle like Becky's isn't as simple as purchasing another used van. The specialized modifications required to accommodate her wheelchair and allow her to travel safely can cost an additional $30,000–$40,000 **on top of the cost of the vehicle itself.**

Without her van, Becky's world has suddenly become much smaller. Her ability to participate in her daughter's school and community activities has been especially affected. After spending more than three decades finding ways to live independently, she is now forced to rely on others for something as basic as getting where she needs to go.

That's why we're asking for help.

Our goal is to help Becky purchase and adapt a reliable wheelchair-accessible vehicle so she can regain the freedom to care for herself, be present for her daughter, and continue participating in the community she loves.

If you're able to contribute, any amount will make a difference. If giving isn't possible, sharing Becky's story with your friends, family, or community is another meaningful way to help.

We've all heard that many hands make light work. In Becky's case, we believe many hands can move a mountain.

Every donation, every share, and every act of support brings Becky one step closer to reclaiming something she has spent her entire adult life fighting to protect: her independence.

Thank you for helping us get Becky back on the road.