Shepherd has Spina Bifida and cannot walk at all and needs a wheelchair. We have been denied by our insurance for a wheelchair THREE times. Three! The last letter said, “We’re sorry your son has difficulty walking…” I burst into tears. He literally can’t walk at all. He can’t even stand without support. He isn’t even able to use a walker without major help and for only about 10 steps! His knees, hands, and feet are constantly being torn up by the ground. We go through countless pairs of pants. I’ve resorted to putting them on backwards when they get a hole.

We made the mistake of showing Shepherd the wheelchair we ordered with his physical therapist (it’s beautiful and his favorite color green). It’s been months of waiting and fighting insurance and appealing the denials. When packages arrive at our door now, Shepherd asks, “My wheelchair?!” Our hearts literally break.

We’ve estimated that we spend annywhere from $10,000-$15,000 extra in the deductibles & extra supplies insurance doesn’t cover (diapers + enema supplies). He is so worth it and such an irreplaceable blessing to our family. But honestly, we need help. This is hard. Our Shepherd needs the best wheelchair that fits him and is his favorite color and not an oversized, worn-down hand-me-down. I have yet to find a hand-me-down wheelchair that would fit him properly like the one we handpicked for him. A wheelchair that helps him keep up with the children his age and be on the same eye level.

Ontop of the wheelchair & the extra needed attachments, our home also needs ramps, and the average cost for a permanent ramp is around $500-$1,000. I’ve included that too in this GoFundMe. We needs ramps for our back door and front door.

Thank you, friends, for helping us in this season. Your support means so much and touches us so deeply because it is literally impacting our precious 3-year-old who cannot walk. I’ve pushed off making this GoFundMe for months because I’ve been so frustrated with insurance. We pay so much, and they refuse to give us what Shepherd needs so much in this season. Our physical therapist said she has never seen a child like Shepherd be denied a wheelchair in her 24 years! We are all shocked. But Steven and I constantly remind each other that God is at work here. He sees Shepherd’s needs. He sees him when he gets left out and left behind because he can’t move as quickly. He knows it feels like my heart is literally being wrenched from my chest. We’ve come so close to just biting the bullet and getting the wheelchair, but truthfully, we need help.

Ugh. Sorry for the massive message. I am clearly emotional about this. I’m angry and sad. But also expectant of the Lord, knowing He has and always will provide above and beyond what we’ve prayed for.

if we are able to get a wheelchair or any help for shepherd covered, ever single dollar in this gofundme will only ever go towards shepherd’s medical needs and bills.