Riley and Tarek's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Donation protected
In 2016 our two boys Riley and Tarek were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a progressive muscle disease which effects all muscles in the body, including the heart and muscles used for breathing. Most boys effected lose their ability to walk by their early teens. DMD is 100% fatal with a drastically shortened life expectancy. There is currently no cure.
When the boys were diagnosed, our world was turned upside down. Everything we thought our future would be no longer was and we have since been adjusting to a new normal full of grief, stress and anxiety.
The boys face many daily challenges and attend many doctor and therapist appointments. As Riley's strength is now deteriorating further he is relying more on using his power wheelchair for mobility as he struggles to walk without getting fatigued. Fortunately, we are able to receive government funding for the power wheelchairs themselves (which generally incur the same cost as a new car) but they do not assist with the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, only the modifications that can only be done on a practically new vehicle to try and ensure that it will last many years. With both boys eventually needing to rely on powered mobility we also need to consider a vehicle large enough that will be able to transport them both in their Power wheelchairs so we are very restricted with what vehicle we are able to purchase.
Becoming the boys' full time carer after their diagnosis, Vanessa (Riley and Tarek's Mum) has not returned to work which leaves the family in a financially difficult position and therefore unable to purchase the vehicle that we need.
So as a result we are raising money to help purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle that will eventually be used to transport both boys in their power wheelchairs. Originally our plan was to hold fundraising events to help us raise the money but sadly with the restrictions recently placed on events this is no longer possible.
This horrible disease has already taken so much away from our family but we do our best to keep going every day and try to help the boys enjoy their loves as much as possible. This vehicle will play an integral part in helping them remain active members of their community as well as travel to and from school and their many appointments.
Please share our campaign link with your friends and if you can, please donate. Any amount will help us achieve our goal. Thank you for your support.
When the boys were diagnosed, our world was turned upside down. Everything we thought our future would be no longer was and we have since been adjusting to a new normal full of grief, stress and anxiety.
The boys face many daily challenges and attend many doctor and therapist appointments. As Riley's strength is now deteriorating further he is relying more on using his power wheelchair for mobility as he struggles to walk without getting fatigued. Fortunately, we are able to receive government funding for the power wheelchairs themselves (which generally incur the same cost as a new car) but they do not assist with the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, only the modifications that can only be done on a practically new vehicle to try and ensure that it will last many years. With both boys eventually needing to rely on powered mobility we also need to consider a vehicle large enough that will be able to transport them both in their Power wheelchairs so we are very restricted with what vehicle we are able to purchase.
Becoming the boys' full time carer after their diagnosis, Vanessa (Riley and Tarek's Mum) has not returned to work which leaves the family in a financially difficult position and therefore unable to purchase the vehicle that we need.
So as a result we are raising money to help purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle that will eventually be used to transport both boys in their power wheelchairs. Originally our plan was to hold fundraising events to help us raise the money but sadly with the restrictions recently placed on events this is no longer possible.
This horrible disease has already taken so much away from our family but we do our best to keep going every day and try to help the boys enjoy their loves as much as possible. This vehicle will play an integral part in helping them remain active members of their community as well as travel to and from school and their many appointments.
Please share our campaign link with your friends and if you can, please donate. Any amount will help us achieve our goal. Thank you for your support.
Organizer
Vanessa Brown
Organizer
Wetherill Park NSW
