Neko's Urgent Need for Accessible Living

Hello friends. My name is Maria Quintana and I live in the Bronx, NY with my 31-year-old son who suffers from a rare disease called Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (Type 2C). I am creating this page because, for reasons that are beyond our control, we are required to leave our home of twenty years within the next 3-4 months. We are both on disability and Neko needs affordable and accessible housing. My priority is his safety and his well-being while dealing with this degenerative, cruel, debilitating disease. I am trying to raise funds so that he will be able to get a few months' rent, a security deposit, and any broker's fees that he may need to find a place to live. He also needs funding for any medical equipment that his insurance does not cover upon his finding housing. There are many things he needs for daily living that insurance simply will not pay for.

For a bit of background, Neko's disease has been getting worse over the last year, rendering him completely dependent on his 24-hour Home Health Aides. He is in pain all day and all night, but he still manages to be an awesome human being with his family and friends. Neko listens to everyone that needs an ear and he becomes their therapist, emotional support, shoulder to cry on, and offers the best advice that he can give them no matter how he is feeling physically or mentally. Those that know Neko have described him as selfless, caring, kind, resilient, and honest. I couldn't be prouder of him. It absolutely breaks my heart to see him suffer the daily pain, the cruelty of losing his physical abilities, and his freedom. He is mostly homebound due to the pain that this illness causes his body. Neko used to play guitar because he taught himself how to play it his way with his physical limitations. He is no longer able to play, but he still loves music more than anything. Neko was the NY State MDA ambassador when he was a young teen and he would help the association raise awareness through fundraising events. He is always willing to help anyone out as much as he can.

For those wondering why Neko cannot get help from the city to get housing, we have tried along with social services to find housing for him and we are met with the same brick wall. In order for him to get a housing voucher, he must be in the shelter system for an undetermined amount of time before he can get a housing voucher regardless of his physical limitations. I cannot fathom how he would survive in a shelter setting and there is no way that he can get the assistance he needs every minute of the day. He is wheelchair-bound and is losing the ability to use his arms to even reach in front of him. With the funds he receives, I believe he can get 3-4 months' rent, a security deposit, and any broker's fees, etc., that he may accrue. He also needs funding for any medical equipment he may need that his insurance does not cover. Please find it in your hearts to help Neko transition to a safe and accessible place during this horrible stage in his disease. Thank you all in advance for taking the time to learn about Neko's situation. From a loving mom who is witnessing the strength and courage this disease has not taken from Neko. Thank you all.