Purchasing a ramp and adjustable bed

Hi. My name is Tim, and this may be the toughest thing I’ve done in a long, long time.

My wife, Genevieve, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis nearly 17 years ago, in her mid-30s. About 4 years ago, she became wheelchair-bound. The expenses since that time have been considerable: stairlift, 2 bathroom renovations, new A/C (as heat makes her condition worse), wheelchairs, various floor-to-ceiling poles, neuro-gym physio 3 times per week. We have a wooden ramp that some wonderful neighbours built for her some years ago. It now has a soft spot in the middle and needs replacing (~$4500). An occupational therapist also advised that she get an adjustable hospital-type bed ($5000) since she’s been struggling with transferring to and from the wheelchair.

We do okay, but it now occurs to me that, as a single earner, even with augmented with her early retirement package, has not been keeping up with these expenses.

We are generous people. We try to help where we can. Helping is easy; asking for help feels infinitely harder. I know that there are folks out there with more needs than ours, and I wouldn’t do this for myself. My wife, and by extension, our family, could benefit from me swallowing this big chunk of pride, so here I am, asking for your help.