Hello, my name is Carol and I am asking for your help. Around six months ago, I was driving my special needs Mobility Van home from my job in San Jose to San Mateo. I took the 280 freeway and then took Highway 92 as I did every day. This particular day I was rear-ended by a vehicle that was driving too fast. That vehicle pushed me into another vehicle which ended up totaling my van. It was very scary and I couldn't get out of my van until the fire department came to force open the door in my van and got my canine companion Waltz out of the vehicle and then proceeded to get me out. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and was relatively lucky. My knees were pushed under the dashboard and I had some pain and bruising but all in all, I'm okay. My van however is not. I didn't have an ordinary van, mine was specially equipped, a mobility van, as I was born with cerebral palsy. I have been in a wheelchair since I was twelve years old. I have always strived to be "normal". I have always been independent and was able to drive myself to work and run errands and just be free even though I am confined to a wheelchair. My van was my ticket to dealing with this disability and me being as "normal" as I can. With no fault of my own and going through the proper channels, the insurance company would only pay me a portion of the cost of a new van, but it would not cover the special modifications that I need to be able to drive. Exhausting all measures, and getting nowhere with the insurance company for additional funds, I was hoping that maybe someone could help me to be able to get my life back on track again. I work part-time and cannot afford to pay the needed amount to get a new van plus the modifications needed. My service dog Waltz helps me at home and at my job and when the accident happened the fire department had to force the doors open to get him out. Thank goodness he was okay. My van was towed away and I have been unable to drive since. I have lost a huge part of my independence, any help will be appreciated and go towards replacing my van.

Thank you for listening. If you would be so kind to share this post on your page.

Carol.