Hi, my name is Paul and my sister writes this plea for assistance on my behalf.

As a result of two massive strokes that were almost fatal, I suffer from a lifetime condition called Broca’s Aphasia. This neurological condition affects the language area of my brain and prevents me from being able to verbally articulate my thoughts, read and write as I once was able. That is unless you would like to meet me in-person, have time to spare, and are an established charade player.

I rely on her to hold the pen to express my thoughts and tell my story, of how the justice system has failed me in my darkest moments, and how I feel my basic fundamental human rights have been violated.

First, a bit about me and then some details about my current predicament and why I am looking to you for support, which is not necessarily financial. My hope is that you take at least the two minutes to read until the end. Open your mind to empathize with those who are not a picture of perfect health, body, sound mind and/or suffer from mental health conditions.

Know that this ask is not easy. I am a young man, who was employed full time, a proud Father of two, in a relationship, a homeowner, drove a vehicle, enjoyed outdoors, avid scuba diver, lover of antique cars, and more. While, still a proud Father, my boys primarily stay with Mother who kindly facilitates weekend visitation, and the rest is lost.

I often weep for my former life but more for my children. I think of them often and wonder if they mourn the loss of the whole “me”, the Father they once knew. My physical body may have changed but my brain and heart remain the same.

This might sound like a pity party, but it is the exact opposite, I am grateful to have my life and determined to make the most of the second chance I was given. Thanks to my closest of friends, former employer, co-workers and amazing parents and a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S sister (ok, that last part might have been an editor plug), I have made great strides in only a year’s time. Their inclusion, support, encouragement and willingness to provide full time care, bring me to endless rehabilitative and therapeutic appointments has gotten me by. You see, I am also physically disabled from those strokes and sentenced to a lifetime of being paralyzed from head-to-toe on one side of my body.

Notably, having a small place of my own that is near my children is wonderful “to say the least” and puts a smile on my face everyday. Further to my excitement, I was able to purchase an enclosed powered wheelchair. Yes, those are the wee Tonka looking, battery operated wheelchairs you may have seen on a public sidewalk. This new found independence gave me more access to my children, ability to frequent the grocer for staples, pharmacy for medicines, Tim Horton's for an icecap, attend a car show, visit colleagues, and go to the gym.

Unfortunately, that powered wheelchair sits in my paid parking space depreciating because of the actions taken by a particular law enforcement. At this time, the details cannot be shared as the matter will appear before the court, but know, countless tickets and expensive fines have been issued (that I cannot read or respond to), my secure residence was unlawfully accessed without a witness, my personal ID and accessibility parking permit confiscated, method of transportation towed and impounded with daily fees for 35 days, with the threat to do so again if I used it. The last incident required a FaceTime call to my best friend who called 911 and rushed to my defense. A staff sergeant was required to attend the scene to de-escalate the situation.

All funds raised through this go-fund-me, will go towards paying the debt amounting to close to $20,000.00 expense with more anticipated to come. Goal is $25,000.00.

Please share and if able, donate any amount. You are my only defense; my family and friends have done what they could & now I ask any kindness and/or generosity from my community and surrounding area.

While I can no longer make sense to the letters on this page, you can! I am optimistic that you will minimally share my story to your own social media, tell your friends and family. Together, we can create an emotional contagion for positive change for those without a voice. Thank you for your consideration, Paul Richer.

People need to be educated on these powered wheelchairs used as medical devices, and the difference they can make. Not having it has become a hardship, the expense of using a taxi service is not feasible for my brother on a disability pension, his condition makes it impossible to provide the destination address to the operator.