Help Jean Get Her Independence Back

I have been active my entire life teaching and enjoying outdoor activities, raising a family, keeping livestock, and working in my garden.  I stayed busy even after being diagnosed with Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease (CMT) three years ago.  I started experiencing symptoms approximately 20 years ago but it took seventeen years before a diagnosis was reached.

CMT disease, also called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, results in smaller, weaker muscles with a loss of sensation, muscle contractions, and difficulty walking.  Symptoms typically start in the feet and legs, but they may eventually affect one’s hands and arms.

I have gone from being able to walk with the aid of ankle/foot braces and walking sticks to finding it difficult to safely negotiate my one-level house.  Unfortunately, I can no longer manage the four steps into my home from my garage and need to have a ramp installed for both my safety and the safety of those helping care for me.  I am essentially “imprisoned” in my home.  I am unable to care for my livestock and participate in gardening, a favorite activity of mine.

A friend in the construction trade has offered to build the ramp for me, charging only the cost of the materials.  He has drafted a set of plans for the ramp and estimates the cost to be $1,440 for the lumber and other materials.

I do not have the funds to pay for the ramp and have reached out to my church and other community organizations.  However, I have been unable to find help as these organizations are also strapped for cash in these difficult times.

I am unable to work as a CPR/first aid instructor or as a swim instructor.  My husband works as much as he can after double knee-replacement and back surgery.  It is difficult for us to meet our bills and the amount of money needed for a ramp is beyond our reach.

Friends have rallied to help and I have been gifted a used electric motor scooter; however, the scooter needs 2 new batteries.   Each battery for the scooter will cost approximately $150.

In order to remain mobile and active in the community, I will also need a trailer hitch to fit my car; estimated cost installed is $1,000. I miss being able to be out and about, attend church, get to and from doctor appointments, and continue to work. 

The ramp into my home, a working electric scooter, and a lift to carry it with me will give me freedom and allow me to be a part of the community as I used to be.