Keep Sonja On the Go in her Community

Sonja Baker is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi, I’m Sonja; many of you know me as a friend, family, and fellow adventurer. But for those who don’t know me as well, I am very independent, live on my own, and don’t like to depend on others if I don’t have to. I want to be out helping others and interacting with people. I stay very active and love being involved in my community.

I was born with #Spina Bifida and have endured many painful surgeries throughout my lifetime, but I’ve never let my disability limit my life experiences. I am a paraplegic (which means I have minimal use of my legs) and depend on my wheelchair daily for mobility. But what gives me independence is driving, which allows me to participate in activities, and doing my job, and live life to the fullest. Nine years ago, the #Independence Living Center in Colorado Springs and #The Friends of Man in Denver, and others donated money to help me get my minivan modified with an automated ramp and hand controls that allow me to drive. I am so grateful for this blessing and the freedom it has given me, but as I will explain, it is time for me to get a new vehicle.

• The 1st issue with my van is the ramp mechanism. I’ve kept up with the routine maintenance to give it the most longevity and repaired individual parts many times over the years, but it no longer functions properly. After the ramp goes in, the door gets stuck closing, so on multiple occasions, I’ve had to ask for help shutting my door, but if no one is around, it leaves me stranded. I need a vehicle that is dependable and safe.

• The 2nd issue is the vehicle itself. It is a 2007 Dodge Caravan, getting up in mileage, and despite regular maintenance, I continue to have more mechanical and structural problems. It doesn’t make sense to poor money into fixing my ramp when my van continues to require such costly repairs.

• Some of the quotes we’ve received as estimates for the repairs at around $6,000 to 8,000. And repairs to my ramp mechanism would be an additional $15,000.

• Dependable, newer, wheelchair-accessible vans run $45,000 to $70,000.

• I’ve done hours of research looking into foundations and organizations that might help financially in funding a wheelchair-accessible van. What I have discovered is they only do adaptive modifications to your existing vehicle, or they only give funds to non-profit organizations, not individuals.

During COVID, some of you experienced for the first time what it feels like to be limited, isolated, and alone – all of which leads to depression. I’ve had to fight isolation my whole life. Being around people like you allows me opportunities to build friendships, participate in different events, and give back to my church and community by volunteering.

• I do bookkeeping for J.S.B. Consulting and administrative work for #PHwellness. The money I earn goes to my ABLE savings account.

• I currently attend #Canon City Evangelical Free Church (EFree), where I have volunteered with Chris Cobos as an AWANA leader and helped with Children’s Church. I also enjoyed attending and making friends at Christian Family Fellowship in Canon City. I enjoy attending and participating in events at Family Worship Center in Pueblo with my parents.

• I am a founding member of the #Canon City Disability Advocates group and associated with the #Pueblo Advocacy Group.

• Working with the City Council and businesses in Canon City, attending meetings to help make improvements around the city.

• Working with the University of Kansas and Fremont Adventure Recreation on a geological camp in Canon City to make it ADA-compliant.

• I have loved attending events hosted by #Starpoint and/or the #Canon City Police Department; The events I have attended are Night to Shine, the Royal Gorge Rim to Rim, Bowling, The Torch Run, Suicide Prevention Walk, Forks Corks and Chefs fundraiser, and the Colfax Marathon; just to name a few.

• 30th Anniversary of the ADA Celebration in Pueblo, ADA Celebration in Canon City through the Center Towards Self-Reliance, which put us in touch with the Green Thumb Initiative and the fantastic people involved in our local Famers’ Market.

• I am so grateful to live in beautiful Canon City! I’ve enjoyed being a member of FAR by participating and volunteering in the Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR) outdoor events. I am a member of the Southern Colorado Running Buddies, a social group that pairs runners to help chariot riders to participate in endurance events. I have participated in several adaptive hiking events with the #Lockwood Foundation. This past summer, I did white water rafting through the “gorge “with #Royal Gorge Rafting and Ziplining Tours.

• Active member for forty years and event coordinator and participant in various events for the #Colorado Spina Bifida Association.

I want to thank each and every one of you for letting me share this with you. Even though I have this disability, I don’t let it hinder me from being involved and doing the things I love to get out and do. Please help me continue to live a life without the restrictions of relying on others to engage in the community. Your support would mean the world to me.

Thank you,

Sonja

STARPOINT

RIM TO RIM RACE 2022