Many of you know the past while has been incredibly challenging — physically, financially, and emotionally. Since moving to Ontario, I’ve been doing my best to push through the ups and downs while managing ongoing health concerns and the demands of daily life.

Recently, I shared that my wheelchair-accessible van — my lifeline to work, medical appointments, and independence — is on its last legs. The transmission is slipping, and the cost of repairs is more than the vehicle is worth.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you, I was able to raise the $2,000 needed for the down payment on a newer, reliable van. I can’t thank you enough for helping me get to this point. Truly, it means the world to me.

However, I’ve just learned that the van — which is coming from a reputable shop in Florida — requires an upfront shipping fee of $1,000 CAD. This was an unexpected cost that I didn’t anticipate. While the company has generously agreed to let me pay it off in three $450 installments, I urgently need the vehicle now, as my current van is barely hanging on. With ongoing health challenges, the stress of potentially breaking down every day is becoming too much.

This van is absolutely essential. I commute from Waterloo to Toronto for work — often a 2.5 to 3-hour round trip — and travel regularly to Brampton for medical appointments. There’s also a chance I may need to go all the way to BC for specialized treatment. Having a dependable vehicle is not a luxury for me — it’s a necessity.

If you're able to help me raise the final $1,000 for shipping, I would be deeply grateful. Any amount helps, and if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this with your network would be just as appreciated.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support, your kindness, and for standing by me through all of this.