New accessible van, so I can live my life again!
Donation protected
I have no idea if this will work, but I have to give it a try because I am missing out on so much of my life and independence. My wheelchair accessible van that has been limping along for the last few years, is now beyond repair. To some, this may be a mere inconvenience, but for someone like me, it's much more. I was born with SMA, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, that progressively weakens your muscles. Doctors told my mother I wouldn't live to see the age of 2. Well, here I sit at age 35 loving life and living it to the fullest!
Every day is an adventure, especially when you don't have the use of your arms or legs, but I surround myself with awesome people who help me live independently. I've earned a degree in Psychology, been skydiving, taken road trips coast to coast, and worked and volunteer for several nonprofits that help people with disabilities secure affordable accessible housing... all of which was due in fact because I had reliable accessible transportation.
Also, around the same time my van bit the dust, I was laid off work because our program lost it's funding... When it rains it pours! It's been six months now, and I'm starting to feel the full effect of not having the independence my van provided. I miss working and feeling like I'm contributing. Just last weekend, it really hit home when I was unable to go to my Grandpa's memorial service. He was a veteran and was laid to rest with a beautiful ceremony in our home town. I tried everything to get there, but there were no options outside of my city limits. And even though it was only an hour away, I was unable to say goodbye to the only father figure I had.
I'm missing out of my life. I've fought so hard to stay independent and take advantage of all the blessings in my life, but this transportation problem is really taking a toll on me. There is so much more to experience in my life... PLEASE help me regain my independence back. Anything would help. I set my goal at $10,000 hoping that I can find an used van and get get a lift/ramp and tie downs installed.
If by a miracle this does work, I will forever be grateful! And the first place I'll go will be to see my grandpa :)
Organizer
Dana Carpenter
Organizer
