I Did Not Quit
Donation protected
Always Fight! Always Forward! Never Quit!
My name is Monica. I am a Type-2 diabetic and a bilateral amputee. I titled this page "I did not Quit!" I do so because based on my reading of the passage of scripture in 2 Kings 7:3-4 where four lepers decided to not quit even though they came from a land that was full of famine and before them was the enemy and where they simply had nothing to lose. They decided if they went back to their homeland, they would die. If they stayed in their current situation, they would die, and if they went forward into the enemy’s camp they would die. Therefore, they decided to go forward into the city and enjoyed the plunder left by the enemy. I heard this story told by a preacher on a Sunday morning and after hearing it, I decided to press on and not quit! Truth be told, for nearly seven years now even though I could have given up and thrown in the towel I decided not to quit! There were so many times I wanted to, but I didn’t.
My medical history started in 2015. I was diagnosed with Stage 5 end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Afterwards in 2018, while waiting for a kidney transplant, I had full-blown open-heart surgery. In 2019 due to diabetes, I developed a wound to my right foot which did not heal. I lost my right leg below the knee. I never thought I would walk or drive again. In 2020, my sister researched and found a company specializing in car modifications. Although costly, we sacrificed and got a left foot pedal installed. I was on my way and independent again. Also in 2019, during COVID, I decided to go back to school online to get my master’s degree in Biblical Studies. In 2021 I graduated with honors and was determined to fly back to Colorado on my own to “walk” across the stage and receive my degree. Traveling alone, with a prosthetic, I did it. I did not Quit!
Then, the unthinkable happened. I developed a pressure wound on my left foot that did not heal. Four months later, I lost my other leg below the knee.
I can’t even believe I’m sitting here without my legs. Literally, almost in the same position I was in two years ago! Needing to have someone drive me everywhere and needing to have my car repaired and modified AGAIN.
So, what does it mean to have my car modified? The modification will include having hand controls installed on the car, mandatory driving lessons, and a driver evaluation. Currently, I am working with my prosthetic doctors on my new prosthesis. Once the prosthetic is ready, hopefully, in a few months, and with rehab I will be able to stand, walk, and to drive my car once more!
The costs? My SUV vehicle is over 10 years old, but it still runs. However, in addition to the modification, the car needs a few repairs and maintenance. The total costs to have the car completely modified, driving lessons, evaluation, and repairs is closer to $9,500.
Regaining my independence is about quality of life. I have so much I want to do and give. Having my car modified isn’t just about “driving.” It is freedom to come and go and another big step to ultimately being able to do the things I enjoy. Like volunteering at my church and in the community. It’s simply being able to get out and taking a drive or driving myself to dialysis, doctor’s appointments, and potentially (pray fully) to work at a job I love and enjoy.
My name is Monica. I am a Type-2 diabetic and a bilateral amputee. I titled this page "I did not Quit!" I do so because based on my reading of the passage of scripture in 2 Kings 7:3-4 where four lepers decided to not quit even though they came from a land that was full of famine and before them was the enemy and where they simply had nothing to lose. They decided if they went back to their homeland, they would die. If they stayed in their current situation, they would die, and if they went forward into the enemy’s camp they would die. Therefore, they decided to go forward into the city and enjoyed the plunder left by the enemy. I heard this story told by a preacher on a Sunday morning and after hearing it, I decided to press on and not quit! Truth be told, for nearly seven years now even though I could have given up and thrown in the towel I decided not to quit! There were so many times I wanted to, but I didn’t.
My medical history started in 2015. I was diagnosed with Stage 5 end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Afterwards in 2018, while waiting for a kidney transplant, I had full-blown open-heart surgery. In 2019 due to diabetes, I developed a wound to my right foot which did not heal. I lost my right leg below the knee. I never thought I would walk or drive again. In 2020, my sister researched and found a company specializing in car modifications. Although costly, we sacrificed and got a left foot pedal installed. I was on my way and independent again. Also in 2019, during COVID, I decided to go back to school online to get my master’s degree in Biblical Studies. In 2021 I graduated with honors and was determined to fly back to Colorado on my own to “walk” across the stage and receive my degree. Traveling alone, with a prosthetic, I did it. I did not Quit!
Then, the unthinkable happened. I developed a pressure wound on my left foot that did not heal. Four months later, I lost my other leg below the knee.
I can’t even believe I’m sitting here without my legs. Literally, almost in the same position I was in two years ago! Needing to have someone drive me everywhere and needing to have my car repaired and modified AGAIN.
So, what does it mean to have my car modified? The modification will include having hand controls installed on the car, mandatory driving lessons, and a driver evaluation. Currently, I am working with my prosthetic doctors on my new prosthesis. Once the prosthetic is ready, hopefully, in a few months, and with rehab I will be able to stand, walk, and to drive my car once more!
The costs? My SUV vehicle is over 10 years old, but it still runs. However, in addition to the modification, the car needs a few repairs and maintenance. The total costs to have the car completely modified, driving lessons, evaluation, and repairs is closer to $9,500.
Regaining my independence is about quality of life. I have so much I want to do and give. Having my car modified isn’t just about “driving.” It is freedom to come and go and another big step to ultimately being able to do the things I enjoy. Like volunteering at my church and in the community. It’s simply being able to get out and taking a drive or driving myself to dialysis, doctor’s appointments, and potentially (pray fully) to work at a job I love and enjoy.
I Did Not and I Will Not Quit!
In advance I thank you all for your support and may the blessings of God be with you. Please feel free to forward my message to others. Monica (Mo)
Organizer
Monica Jackson
Organizer
Matthews, NC