Help Sheila Get Lifesaving Care with Reliable Transportation

Hello I'm Sheila Smith,

A 68 year old woman battling two serious illnesses-lung cancer and congestive heart failure.

These serious conditions require ongoing care and regular appointments with specialists at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, including my oncologist, cardiologist, kidney doctor, retina specialists and more.

These visits to each one of these specialist doctors are essential to my survival. Unfortunately, my only car, a 2009 Honda CRV has broken down. Now why is that such a big deal? It is just a car, right? It has three engine leaks, a power steering fluid leak, and worn-out tires. It desperately needs a tune-up, but the cost is far beyond what I can afford. I rely on that car to get to every single medical appointment. Without reliable transportation, I'm at risk of missing life-saving treatments that is essential to my survival. You might wonder why not just take Uber, Metro lift, or public transit? Thats' a fair question-and one I've heard more than once. But the reality is that these options simply do not meet the needs of someone like me. Someone in my body with my conditions after treatments need to return to my apartment so that I can sleep while the medicines work. I also am short winded so standing, walking long periods of time and walking to bus stops is not good and would danger my health. Metro lift requires you to book in advance and they often run late for pick-ups. My medical schedule changes frequently and this type of service just isn't flexible or dependable enough. Uber and ride share emergencies are too expensive for long term use, especially on fixed income. What I need is reliable transportation, a car I can drive myself. Transportation is essential to contnuing my legacy, maintaining my dignity, and keeping my independence in an overly busy World. Less stress is best. Something safe, available when I need it and suited to the unpredictable demands of serious illness. A car will streamline my trips, organize my time with appointments, and when multiple appointments are scheduled I can meet the time without being late. Illnesses limit your abilities to do a lot of things, however managing my appointments, going to labs, medical testing etc it helps me to feel i can still control part of my life without limits. I cross elementary kids to school Monday through Friday. A car would make sure that I am on post on time and without delay so that those wonderful kids will cross safely. YOUR HELP would support me to cross this road, the road to recovery! Mentally, elderly people need something to feel they have control of a part of their lives without fear and stress. I am raising $25,000 to cover both short-term and long-term transportation needs. The funds would be used to rent a car immediately, purchasing a reliable used vehicle as soon as a reliable car is located and purchased. I am a woman who trust God with everything. I cannot do anything about my medical condition, but I can trust God that the eyes that see my story will not only read my story but act on it. My story is for God's Glory because I always say this battle is not mine but the Lord's. Your support-whether it's a donation, a share, or a prayer-means more than words can say. Thank you in advance for your support!