Support Monica McGovern

On February 9th 2018, 65 year-old grandmother and community activist Monica McGovern had to have her right leg amputated as a result of severe diabetes complications.   As a result, her life has been affected drastically as she now requires support with accessibility, mobility, home care assistance and prosthetic limb training.  As Monica is recently retired, she has lost her extended health benefits and cannot afford home health care support, and accessibility equipment such as an electric wheelchair, bed rails, floor to ceiling poles, ramps, grab-bars, stair-lift and other equipment which would aid in her mobility and function within her town home.  A new ramp is just one of the accessibility upgrades needed for her town home. It is currently not safe for her to return home without mobility and accessibility equipment installed.   Monica is expected to return home soon, so it is urgent that things be in place as soon as possible.   Monica McGovern gives so much of herself and has enriched the lives of so many.  As a single mother to 3 daughters, and a grandmother to 9 grandchildren, she has always been a strong advocate in her community for women, families and low-income marginalized groups. Monica has worked 20+ years as a single mother’s support group leader, 29 years working as a family parent counselor for Family Services of Greater Vancouver, and for the last 3 years she was the chairwoman for the Burnaby chapter of ACORN--a community based action group that supports lower to middle income persons and families. Monica, despite her disabilities, taking action for her community. Monica has been living in chronic pain for many years with ongoing health concerns.  Aside from diabetes, she also suffers from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and many other ailments. She is currently raising two granddaughters, ages 12 and 16, in a small town home in Burnaby B.C. Canada.  We are hoping to rally support to help assist Monica with her healing, safety and comfort by raising funds to help her to purchase equipment which would further aid her mobility and function upon her return home, as well as cover other home health care support services. Both monetary and in-kind donations are greatly appreciated!   Here is how your donations can help Monica: *These prices are for brand-new/custom equipment, used donations are also kindly accepted* $700 buys 2 floor to ceiling poles (including install) $2000 buys a Helio standard wheelchair with amp board $2200 buys a hospital bed   $17,000 buys a curved stair-lift that will cover all 3 levels of the town home   $38,000 covers home health support for 1 year   *Any surplus funds will go towards holistic health care for Monica---acupuncture, naturopath fees, dietary support, supplements etc.*   My mother Monica is such a brave, strong and compassionate soul,  she has sacrificed so much for her family and her community; your donations will bring her much needed assistance, and we are truly thankful for your support! <3 -Cassandra Onyejikwe (Monica's daughter) & family