An accessible vehicle for Jaime & loyal Rocco

Hello, I'm Liza, and I'm reaching out to you on behalf of my son, Jaime. The goal is to eventually secure the funds for him to purchase a new vehicle, one which can be customised to entirely accessible for Jaime's particular requirements. That simply in itself would be would be a game changer.

An immediate benefit would be of much safer and comfortable transfers from his motorised wheelchair to seating, the freedom to weekend travel, to make broader choices. Whether practical, like going to work, or recreational. Unfortunately his current vehicle does not fit his beach wheelchair, and with emphasis, the goal to preserve not only the wellbeing of Jaime, to consider the stresses of his dedicated 'support family'. Remarkable team he has, and I don't know how they do it day in day out, the current circumstances require that they lift Jaime's heavy electric wheelchair in and out of the back of the car, rain, hail or shine. They never complain, though I'm aware from an OHS perspective alone it's contentious.

Jaime is such an intelligent young man, faces some unique challenges. A diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy since a very young age, which manifests in 'significant, high-level physical support needs, requiring one-on-one assistance 24/7'. Yet despite these challenges, we've managed to navigate an authentic quality of life, promoting self-worth and respecting those around him. Jaime really has achieved so much, I'm so proud of him, he's a good man, great sense of humour, kind, generous and empathetic. Manages all with the additional challenges of 'talking' using modified sign language, augmentative Communication software on his iPad and gestures.

Transport related currently Jaime relies on a well-cared-for 20-year-old Honda Jazz as his mode of transport, a vehicle long outgrown. It used to be 'our' car when we lived together, then on a needs basis 'his', needs basis eventually became Jaime's exclusively.

So aside the stresses of transferring from wheelchair to car, other things in Jaime's life also have potential to compromise his physical wellbeing. It would be brilliant even just to remove that potential with a transport upgrade. As an example, at home, Jaime remains ambulant by crawling, when not in his wheelchair, causing additional physical strain on his body not anticipated at his age. As an result, his knees, in particular, show the toll of these challenges, they looked like a war zone, requiring fluid drained from time to time. Much better now as we've made environmental changes in his home, installing slow rebound memory foam rugs in his living room. Life remains an unravelling, interesting challenge, and when things go right, it's joy, simple joy. The premise of a new vehicle set up for him, I predict a positive impact on both his physical and mental health.

I have procrastinated a full year starting this Gofundme, I'm uncomfortable fundraising for Jaime, I spoke to a friend about this recently and came to the conclusion that my feelings were hindering Jaime's progress. I would have truly dearly loved to buy Jaime a new vehicle, it's not financially viable at this time.

There's solid reason, approximately two years ago having his own home became an urgent priority, money I had saved for him 'for the future' was redirected to purchase outright his apartment, fortunately one adjacent to our home came on the market. Without hesitation, problem solved and the best of both worlds, Jaime happy in his own home and I'm a stone, throws away if he needs me.

Naturally, as with apartment living it comes the same costs we all face, the ongoing expenses such as strata fees, electricity, council rates, water, maintenance. In my happiness for him, our excitement, it truly hadn't settled in my mind yet that the financial outgoings I am singularly responsible for, had essentially, doubled overnight, oh joy!

Before I had entire responsibility for our shared home, now my home AND his. I still don't regret it, we're safe and comfortable. HE is happy and the skills of running his own home with support, is beyond price.. Thankfully I have a great job, I consider myself very fortunate in that regard, my financial focus taking that hit needs to constrain to a creating a financial safety buffer, once again. I don't even think about what would be at risk of unravelling if I didn't continue to work AND act prudently.

Regarding work, I proudly can share that Jaime's has worked since getting his first authentic job in 2019, dedicating half a day twice a week to promoting outstanding music guests and entertainment at the Airlie Beach Hotel. 1/2 day is about the limit of Jaime's physical stamina he puts everything into it. Jaime knows everyone in town, and everyone in town knows Jaime (and Rocco). The perfect profession for Jaime as he loves music and socialising it really plays to his strengths. Jaime's proudly earned yet modest income is generally relegated to the purchase of chocolate milk, and buying pre-loved DVDs from our local Op shops. It's his 'thing'!!

Please know that your generous donation, regardless of the amount, will significantly positively impact Jaime's life. He will be ELATED if this works out. This is a first for us so will see. On behalf of Jaime, his support family, myself, and Rocco, we are immensely grateful for any support you can provide. Thank you for helping us create a brighter and more accessible future for Jaime.

I'll probably rewrite this over and over, it's challenging for me, putting 'it all out there' like this. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Jaime asked me to do this on his behalf, irrespective of my discomfort, it's done.

As a matter of complete transparency, it's important to note that the NDIS will cover most of the conversions, a prerequisite is that the vehicle must be new. The focus of this fundraising effort is to secure a quality new car that will last long-term and cover expenses associated with getting it on the road and additional fit outs for road trips, inconsideration to Jaime's additional equipment needs when not at home.