Pimp Teresa's Ride!

(Photo courtesy of Jenna Richlie)


All proceeds raised through this site will be used only for TERESA’S direct benefit and needs for a wheelchair accessible car, which is not covered by any insurances or state/federal programs.

My name is Anna, and I am creating this campaign to fund a wheelchair accessible vehicle for my older sister, Teresa. Teresa is an amazing person, and having a car would absolutely change her life. My sister was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—or brittle bone syndrome, and has been the best role model a little sister could ask for. Our parents immigrated to the U.S. as refugees shortly before Teresa was born, and somehow beyond the language barrier and the social environment we grew up in, our parents managed to maintain her health, allowing her to achieve all of the great things that she’s accomplished in her life. First of all, she taught herself, and then our little brother and me how to speak English (as Vietnamese was our first language). As she paved the way for us through the education system, she successfully obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Physiology, and then a Master’s degree in Public Health. One of the many examples that proves the significant impact that Teresa has on her community includes being the first person with a disability to live on campus at her undergraduate University. This was only possible, because she worked hard to advocate for accommodations. Since then, the University has accommodated several others with disabilities to be able to live on campus while obtaining a University degree. She has taught me the value of strength and independence, and the importance of having a voice in issues that matter—such as the importance of healthcare transition. She has dedicated her career to this in order to help youth with disabilities manage their health and have the highest quality of life.

Of course there are challenges that she faces just like all of us in life; recently, while she was commuting through the public transportation system to work, her ride came to too sudden of a stop, and both of her fragile legs broke at once. She needed emergency surgery, and is unable to return to work for at least a month. While Teresa is successfully employed, having a disability comes with many financial challenges most people don’t have to think twice about. Her salary upkeeps her health and keeps a roof over her head, while transportation costs often get pushed aside in financial priorities.

I want to take this opportunity to see if we can come together to assist in providing Teresa with her own accessible vehicle, that would increase her independence in a way to allow her to continue impacting her community.

**please note that Teresa has a driver's license, however has not been able to purchase her own vehicle due to costs**

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.