Hi, my name is Richard Shumar. I'm 36 years old and was born with Cerebral Palsy. I use a wheelchair in my daily life and have always relied on the support and kindness of friends and family to help me get around.

Recently, I began taking adaptive driving lessons through a program called Rehabilitation Without Walls. These lessons are teaching me how to safely and legally drive using hand controls. I’m about a quarter of the way through my training and making great progress toward independence.

However, I’ve learned that in order to take my final driving test and become certified, I must have my own vehicle equipped with the necessary hand controls. Unfortunately, I do not currently own a vehicle, and without reliable transportation, finding and maintaining employment remains a significant challenge.

Your support would mean the world to me. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to gaining the independence and freedom that so many of us take for granted.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story—and for helping me on this life-changing journey.

With gratitude,

Richard Shumar