Hi my name is Jose Razo I am a 30-year-old male with lots of goals, and dreamer student. Unfortunately, my goals and dreams are being put on hold right now, because of my disability. When I was a little boy about 4 years old. I was diagnosed with (SMA) which stands for “spinal muscular atrophy” type two. This disease prevents my body from generating any muscle no matter what I eat, and not growing much. as time goes on my body becomes weaker. Thank God recently dr.s Believe to have found a medication that prevents this disease from progressing any further, but it is not a cure or undo any of the damage that was already done. Unfortunately, this disease hurt me very much to the point that I have very little physical ability and movement left in my body. Currently I am only able to move one hand with two fingers, speak, and Use my brain. My brain being One of my best assets left. The rest of my body is completely weak. I use a power wheelchair to move around and I am Assisted for everything by my family. with things like feeding, toileting, changing ect. Although this disability has put me in a terrible situation I continue to strive for a good future, and refuse to give up. After graduating high school and earning my diploma, I went onto Modesto Junior College (MJC) which is more affordable. During my time at MJC I earned two associate’s degrees. One associates of arts in general studies, and the other associates of science in administration of justice. Even though I have earned these two associate’s degrees, it is still very difficult for me to get a job because of my disability. Usually, when someone graduates with an associate most of the jobs available Require physical ability, because most of the time those jobs are positions of an assistant or applying for Officer, which none of these I can do. Therefore, I need to continue my education and earn a bachelors so I can better my chances at a great position in a job that I can succeed and fulfill. As well as be able to provide for myself and my family without being a burden to society. Unfortunately, this is where I am hitting a brick wall! As I grew up in poverty, my family and I have always lived from paycheck to paycheck. My father works tirelessly to provide for my family and I. Therefore, I’m not able to afford my college tuition at a 4-year university. And due to my disability, I am not able to get a job like any regular student would to pay their tuition. Many people expect for me to be receiving SSI or other benefits which due to a technicality I don’t qualify for. I only qualify for medical health insurance and that’s it. As you can see I am left on my own and without any possibility of continuing my education, and completing my goals. I applied for financial aid, but the program I enrolled does not provide financial aid to DREAMERS like myself as it is federally funded.

 

This is why I ask you to look deep inside your heart and help me anyway you can either donating and sharing my story with others who may be able to help me. I truly appreciate your support and I your kindness. Thank you, Jose Razo