Our dad’s life was turned upside down by a devastating series of medical complications. After three months in the hospital, countless surgeries, and months in a nursing facility, he has been left paralyzed and is now beginning the difficult journey of rebuilding life at home. Due to his leg paralysis and extensive backside wounds, he requires a special lift to get out of bed and into his wheelchair. He also needs several in-office doctor appointments each month, and right now, we have to rely on an outside transport service to pick him up and take him to appointments. The cost of these trips quickly adds up and creates a significant financial burden for our family.
Ultimately, Bob needs to purchase a handicap accessible van. While new vans are very expensive, we can get a decent used one for much less. Having a van would greatly improve his and my mom's quality of life during this difficult transition to a whole new way of living. It would also help offset the financial strain we've been facing. Additionally, a van would allow Bob to do other things he enjoys without the expense and dependence on the availability of an outside transport service.
On behalf of our family, I want to say thank you for all of the prayers, calls, texts, cards, and visits. Bob has truly appreciated all your support. Many have asked, "What can I do to help?" Up until now, our answer has been, "We're not sure at the moment." We've had so many challenges to confront that we've just been trying to get through each day. However, now that Bob is home and adjusting to life in this "new normal," we have more clarity on what he needs next. Having this van will be instrumental in providing more independence and financial peace of mind. Any support you can offer—whether through a donation or by sharing our story—means the world to us.
**Just to be transparent, having never done one of these before, I went with the recommended settings. Our total goal is $40k, but Go Fund Me breaks it down into smaller goals and then, presumably, increases the goal amount along the way as donations come in. But to be clear, we can find a working van in the $15-20k range. It would likely be something in the 2000-2010 model year range and have high mileage, but we could certainly make that work. For $30-40k we'd be looking at something like a 2018 Honda Odyssey with around 100k miles (For context, these vans are $70-90k new because the modifications are quite expensive). The point is, we are so grateful for all the help and will put whatever money we receive to good use and are not trying to buy anything extravagant. I just didn't want anyone to feel misled, even if this Go Fund Me strategy generates more effective fundraisers.
Gratefully, Matt (Bob's son)
(PS--this update is not in response to any complaints or questions, but it was something weighing on my mind so that's why I'm sharing.)