UPDATE and Great News!!

We wanted to update all of you who have helped Mitch and Stephanie be able to have this wonderful news to share! Because of all of your generosity and love, funds donated thus far have totaled just around $21,000! That is absolutely incredible.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles on the market easily cost a hefty $65,000-$70,000. Mitch and Stephanie have been very humble in searching for a good quality used vehicle, hopefully with a significantly lower price tag. Their effort has paid off! Mitch recently found one that is almost brand new! It was in San Francisco from a woman who has sadly just lost her husband and no longer has use of the vehicle. Mitch and Stephanie knew this had to be the answer to their prayers and moved quickly to purchase it! It is in fantastic condition and the purchase price was $32,000! Mitch’s brother went to San Fransisco to pick it up and drive it back to San Diego.

We are all excited to see Mitch and Stephanie be able to get out and about in this vehicle and know that so many of you made this possible for them.

You may be wondering why the GoFundMe account is still active and now with a new goal amount being $32,000? While this was an amazing find, they were still about $11,000 short so they made a decision to sell Stephanie’s car and get a loan for the remainder.

While they have purchased the vehicle, they are still in need of financial aid as they have accrued a good amount of debt in order to acquire the vehicle before they actually got enough donations to purchase it in it’s entirety. With humble hearts we are simply keeping the fund open and hoping to get the last remainder in donations to ease the weight of this new loan and allow Stephanie to hopefully lease a commuter car so she is able to get to and from work.

Again, THANK YOU for the support, generosity and enormous amount of giving you all have shared to make this happen for Mitch and Stephanie. Words cannot express how grateful they are for each person's gift, they love you all.

When Mitch was 18 years old he was in an auto accident (a back-seat passenger) which resulted in him breaking his neck. This left him a quadriplegic, no movement and feeling from his chest down. Mitch has always kept busy, mostly on his computer. Stephanie, his wife, works full time in addition to caring for Mitch. She has a taxing life, but she and Mitch are always so positive and never complain.

As you can see from the main profile photo, Mitch is sitting in his 2001 van which not only doesn't fit him (without bending his head) has become unreliable even after several attempts of "bandaging it" by caring mechanics just to get by.

My wife Doris and I are in our mid 70's, our Social Security doesn't allow us to financially help Mitch and Stephanie in purchasing a new van. When I say "New" I mean new to Mitch and Stephanie. The goal is not to set them up in a luxury vehicle, the goal is to get a reliable vehicle that Mitch fits into. Unfortunately even used vehicles that fit his size are extremely expensive, a new vehicle can cost anywhere from $65... to $70,000. Used low-mileage vehicles can be a round 10k less. I'm asking a little more over what it would cost due to the 8% that goes to GoFundMe and the income taxes involved.

One of the many problems is the stress caused by its unpredictability, the current van will suddenly stop (once in the middle of nowhere). When they tow the van away they can't accommodate Mitch, so on the side of the road they have to figure out how to get Mitch home, which is a big problem.

Currently the van is working but it smells smoky and Mitch has mention the fact that he is concerned about the van starting on fire with him in it!

Mitch already has very limited freedom due to his paralysis. Now with no reliable van, he is even more limited. 

This is why I am sending out a plea to those with a willing, compassionate heart to help us raise $65,000 for an equipped van. Mitch is in urgent need of a reliable vehicle that can take him to his doctor appointments.

 A new vehicle will also allow Mitch and Stephanie to get out of the house and enjoy the freedom they very much deserve. 

Can you help my family?  I know that for many money is very tight but maybe you have a little  to share with Mitch and Stephanie.

We completely understand if you are unable to donate money. Could you at least share this fundraiser with others?

My deepest gratitude for all who can help.