Help for Bryan Keen

Initially when I decided to start this gofundme for Bryan, I hadn't yet heard about his desire to build an off-road wheelchair. What I knew was that Bryan was struggling. Things were getting really tough emotionally, physically, and financially and I wanted to find a way to help. I knew that raising enough money for three month's rent might mean that he and his 7 and 19 year old boys can continue living in their home. But then while chatting one night, Bryan shared with me that he hopes to be able to eventually have one of these awesome 'wheelchairs': notawheelchair.com. Besides being able to get around easier on a daily basis, having one of these would also allow him to once again get out in nature and do something he loves–hike. It would also mean he could navigate the beaches much easier and just make it possible to keep up with his 7 year old. So, after looking at the link and some YouTube videos, I felt like I had to help make this happen for Bryan. If you're faced with the reality that you need a wheelchair, you might as well have a super bad-ass off-road one!


If you aren't familiar with Bryan's situation, here's a little background–He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010 after returning home from his honeymoon. He had been having random leg numbness that he at first thought might be caused by his work as a frame carpenter, so it took a little time to confirm that it was in fact MS. Initially he was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting (there are four different types and they are named according to the way the disease acts on the body over time), but it has changed in the last year and is now considered Primary Progressive. This means that Bryan experiences symptoms regularly and continuously instead of the "flare-ups" he used to have. One of these past flare-ups has left him legally blind in one eye. He now needs a cane to walk, is losing hand function, and deals with constant fatigue. Knowing that he would eventually need help caring for himself and his youngest son, Bryan moved to California last year with his now 7 year old son (our 19 year old was already there) to be near his parents and siblings. Finding a job took time–the job market is tough and Bryan is limited in the type of work he can do–but finally it happened! He got a position at Point Loma University as an Instructional Designer which allowed him to move into his own place with Cedar and Elijah. Things were looking up! But then, after only about a month in the house, Bryan learned that the University's budget had been severely impacted by the pandemic and he was losing his job. As you can imagine, this was devastating. Unemployment payments have recently started to come in, but rent in California is steep–$2300.00/month for this "affordable" house–and the $180 per week is just not enough to keep to Bryan and the boys in their home.  Without some additional financial help, they will lose the home they waited so long to get. Hopefully Bryan will be able to find a job in the coming months, but the reality is that MS severely limits his options so this could take a long time.

If you've met Bryan even only once, you likely have not forgotten him. He has a warmth and kindness about him that is unique. He is welcoming and accepting of everyone, often greeting people with an enthusiastic "Howdy!" He is an extremely loving and attentive parent. He continues to see the beauty in the world even though he has been handed more than his share of ugly. He has remained positive and grateful for this life and his experiences. He is the type of person who doesn't think twice about helping someone in need, but would never ask for help himself. He, in true Bryan fashion, was hesitant to say yes and needed some time before he would give me permission to start a gofundme. I know this is a tough time for so many, but if you're able, please consider donating. It will mean so much to him and his boys.