Help Richard Roman Complete Van Modifications

Hi, my name is Richard Roman. I have a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident in 1995. I was hospitalized in Westchester Medical for about 6 months, then I went to rehab for several months.

After completing therapy I was discharged to go home and I became severely depressed. I didn't want to do anything with my life. After several years being depressed, I overcame my depression.

I started doing volunteer work at the Northeast Center for special care and then the company hired me as a full-time staff. I became a Rec. Leader working with brain injury and spinal cord patient.

Currently I am working with Taconic Resource Center for Independence as a Peer Mentor Counselor for people with disability. I go to nursing homes visiting patients to help them overcome some of their struggles. I've been doing this for over 10 years and I love doing it. But now I'm in a situation that I need help. I purchased a new van and Access VR help funded some of the modifications so that I am able to drive.

But for some reasons unknown the funded had stopped and my Counselor told me that she cannot give me any updates to when funding will begin again. So my van is half modified and I need the other half done, which is the gas and brake, which will allow me to drive the vehicle, since I have limited use of my hands. This fund will help me tremendously and will allow me to get back to work so that I am able to visit these patients again. I would be so grateful and appreciate any help that I can get. I overcame many obstacles and challenges over the years and I want to get back to work to help others.

UPDATE: As of 5/20/25, I would like to thank everyone for their love and support. I received good news today that an organization is going to fund the remaining necessary modifications to my van. Thank you all again.