Hi, my name is Joao.

There are moments in life that change everything—moments that quietly divide your life into before and after. For me, it was a day I will never forget… Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, I was working, building a future, and planning the life I believed I would have. But after a sudden and severe flare-up, everything changed. I was unable to return to work, and what I didn’t realize then was that I was also saying a silent goodbye—to the home I loved, the place where I had imagined growing old, where every corner held a memory. I never returned. Over time, my condition progressed to the point where I now rely entirely on a wheelchair.

One significant example of how my MS has been a challenge was the day I got stuck in the rain. As the water poured down, I sat there in my wheelchair, unable to move, completely at the mercy of the elements. Moments like being stranded in the rain don’t just test you physically—they take away your sense of dignity, your independence, and your freedom.

After spending over a year in the hospital fighting just to survive, I am still navigating the difficult road of this new reality. Every day comes with physical and emotional challenges—grieving the life I lost while trying to rebuild what remains.

For the past four years, my world has become much smaller.

Simple things—like going to the grocery store, attending appointments, or even getting outside—have become overwhelming obstacles.

More than anything, I am fighting to find my way back to myself. Not who I was before—but someone strong, capable, and present.

My greatest motivation through all of this is my two beautiful daughters. They are my reason to keep going, to keep pushing forward, and to be the best father I can be despite everything.

Due to my MS my license was taken from me. Additionally, I am facing a heavy financial burden. The rising costs of gas, insurance, and daily living make it incredibly difficult to keep up, and I feel like I’m slowly losing ground. But I refuse to give up.

My goal is simple, yet deeply meaningful: to reclaim my independence—to stand tall in spirit, even if my path looks different now—and to become even half the man I once was.

I am raising funds to purchase an enclosed mobility scooter—a safe, weather-protected device that would truly change my life. It would give me the ability to leave my home safely, attend appointments, run errands, and most importantly, be present for my daughters in the way they deserve.

This is not just about transportation.

It’s about independence.

It’s about dignity.

It’s about getting a piece of my life back.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean more than I can express. And if you’re unable to donate, simply sharing my story would help more than you know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, your support, and for taking the time to read my story.

— Joao