Hi! My name is Michelle Tipton and I need your help to repair my van which contains the Bruno Joey lift for my power wheelchair. The cost to replace the transmission and motor mounts is $6,500.

I am physically disabled by moderately severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). For 10 years I was debilitated, unable to work, and being out in the weather waiting for buses to get to the grocery store or medical appointments was very hard on me. Hot or cold weather could easily put me into an RA flare. The immune-suppressing drugs to control my RA were somewhat effective, but never provided long lasting relief. Then in 2018, I lost my dad, received a small inheritance with which I was able to purchase a vehicle that allowed me to take my power wheelchair with me. That's when I found VanGo (yes, I named my van!). And, I began feeling better with improved medications.

Oh, how my life improved having VanGo! For the first time in 14 years I was able to think about working and found a job as a door greeter at Wal-Mart in 2021. I was able to participate in an internship with the state, which gave me important office skills. I now have an office job that allows me to interact with others and use my abilities without feeling like I'm disabled. I have the honor of helping friends get to church and to the store. I have been able to go to every doctors' appointment. I'm not getting sick with lung problems like bronchitis and pneumonia from being out in the weather. My RA flares haven't been as severe as I've been able to get to my rheumatologist's office. I've been able to see my family more, attending family gatherings for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I am wonderfully able to help my son and daughter-in-law with my granddaughter, Molly. Before that I was able to hold my precious granddaughter, Jodi Kate, for a short time after she was born before she was called back to our Heavenly Father.

For some, having a vehicle is a luxury. For me, it gave me my life back. It has allowed me to participate in life, not just be a spectator on the side lines. I feel useful, seen, and needed. I am able to be a more active part of my family and my community. For the time being this is in jeopardy. Some people have suggested that I buy a new, or rather a new-to-me, van; however this isn't an option for me. With my SSDI and housing, I'm only allowed to work part-time, am not able to save the necessary funds, and unable to afford the increased insurance rates required. I would also have to pay to have my Bruno Joey lift to be moved to another vehicle at an additional cost. I would lose the remote start, paid for by Vocational Rehabilitation, which helps me during the winter to be able to clean the snow off VanGo. I had a small savings before becoming hospitalized in June. I'm so grateful that my church has been able to help me with rent and food when I've needed it. This vehicle expense is just too large. I'm grateful that I've recovered and have been able to go back to work. So I'm humbly asking for assistance in getting my van repaired. Any amount towards the repair would be greatly appreciated, allow me to remain independent, and to connect with family and others through work and every day life, and enable me to continue to help others.