Raising Rory

This is a project to literally RAISE Rory up!  She is in need of a Deck and Vertical Platform Lift to Raise her from the garage and into her home, and a Valet Seat to Raise her safely into and out of her family's van.  (The bonus?  All of this will Raise her level of independence, as she will be likely be able to operate both systems with very little help! Any independence Rory gains is a help to her family, and most importantly, to herself.  It is my hope that I can help my former student and her wonderful family RAISE the funds to make this possible!)
     Rory is 10 years old. She has Spina Bifida and 22q (a Chromosomal abnormality), among many other associated conditions. She is 100% dependent on her manual wheelchair for mobility. She is a bright little girl, who loves Star Wars, playing Sled Hockey and bowling with Team Huron Valley Special Olympics. She uses an AAC device for communication as she is partially , chearing impaired and nonverbal. She melts the heart of anyone she meets and always has a smile on her face despite everything she has been through.
     Rory is growing and getting heavier each day, and will soon be transitioning to a new, larger, heavier wheelchair.  She is tall and unable to weight bear at all so her legs just dangle when carried, creating a tripping hazard.  Rory cannot spend long amounts of time in extreme temps as her circulation is compromised and she has no real feeling of cold or heat on her legs and feet. Going into and out of her home currently requires a multi step process of unlatching her seat belt, leg strap, chair mounted AAC device, unloading her backpack etc. and carrying her and everything separately, all while battling her VERY independent 3 yr old twin sisters, who always want to 'help'!   A vertical platform lift installed in her family's garage will make the transition in and out of her home faster, safer and easier on her and on her wheelchair.
     Rory's family are used to being 'givers'--Asking for help does not come easily to them.  Thankyou in advance for letting them be 'receivers' for a little while!  They have been awarded a grant for a portion of the Lift and assistance with the decking, with a balance of approximately $4500.  The Valet Seat for transferring her into and out of the car will cost $9535.   Should the goal be exceeded, any extra funds will be used for uncovered medical expenses and for making Rory's home and yard more accessible for her.  Thankyou for your part in RAISING Rory!  :)