<div>Hi, I'm Annette Messert and I'm doing this fundraiser for my niece, Joni, as she is a single mom battling an aggressive MS and raising her 14-year-old daughter. Below is her story, and I hope you find it in your heart to assist her in reaching her goal to purchase the van so she can regain some independence.

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<div>Dear Aunt Annette,

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<div>Thank you so much for doing this to help meet my needs and regain some independence. I don’t know how people can afford to become disabled. Who would have thought that I wouldn’t be able to walk at age 40 when I’ve lived a relatively healthy life!

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<div>Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, causing numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes, and other symptoms. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath, interrupting communication between the brain (or in my case the spinal cord) and the rest of the body. I was diagnosed in 2009 after earning the Congressional Award by volunteering 2 years with AmeriCorps VISTA and NCCC, where I immersed myself in toxins throughout my projects. Prior to volunteering, I was extremely healthy my entire life, almost unstoppable in my endeavors…

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<div>Now I find myself unable to walk at age 40 after a rough recovery from surgery, keeping my body inflamed and my MS progressing. My current transportation with a mobility scooter makes it challenging for me to leave the house, and I continue working as a bookkeeper for the Clerk’s Office.

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<div>Thankfully, I have great coworkers who help lift my scooter and a boss who provides reasonable accommodations, but I miss my independence and going places with those who cannot lift for me.

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<div>My amazing daughter helps a lot but has recently had some back pain and doesn’t need to lift anymore. <strong>I am in need of a side-entry wheelchair van that is not in my budget as a single mother who chose a career in public service!</strong> I’m on the waitlist for a proper chair and hand control driver training. Vocational rehab will do a vehicle modification, but I am responsible for the van purchase under 5 years or 50,000 miles (very expensive). Even a 10-year-old, side-entry van with more than 130,000 miles is still priced between $30-40K, which is twice my budget!

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<div>There is no cure for MS, and I have exhausted most drug options because of time, progression, and adverse reactions. Outside of the Dr.’s shots/pills/infusions, I’ve tried a chiropractor, acupuncture, physical therapy, dry needling, EMDR, breathwork, rebounding/infrared sauna/red light/dry brushing/lymphatic massage for drainage w/ detoxing, herbals, diet, and supplementation. A neurologist just started one of my last good DMT options, Ponvory, so I’d appreciate your prayers that this can halt my disease progression!

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<div>My health needs will continue to rise and produce bills I cannot afford, so <strong>if you could contribute to my independence and sustainability, I will forever be grateful for your donation.</strong> I hope to continue working for the Decatur County courts and raising my 14-year-old daughter to the best of my ability, and your contribution could really assist in my goals of helping others. I truly feel that paying it forward brings blessings, as helping others is what makes the world go round. Thank you for reading my story, sharing it with others, and contributing what you can. May God continue to bless each of us. Not walking and financial burdens are just “minor inconveniences of life” after all, right? We are all very blessed, and please remember that when life throws you a curveball. Stay grateful!!

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<div>Thanks for your love, concern, time, and assistance.

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<div>Joni

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Linda Simpson

Anonymous

Virgia Dugle

Chris Jackson

Mark Wolcott

Dave Grady

Deanna Burkart

Robert L Conway

Kathleen Jones

Amy Parker

Maurizio Paniccia

Joni's Fight Against MS&Regain Independence w Wheelchair Van

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Joni's Fight Against MS&Regain Independence w Wheelchair Van

Still $8,230 to go. Help us build momentum.