Thabiso To~Roll: Aquire Accessible Van Fundraiser!

Hi there! My name is Thabiso :) Thanks for checking out my fundraiser!

I appreciate your time and will cut to the chase...on raising funds for a wheelchair accessible van. My current van's wheelchair lift has stopped working, and they don't make parts for it anymore. It is time to pull all the stops and do what I can to raise funds to purchase a working, dependable accessible van. The cost for a used van fitted with an electric wheelchair ramp and hand controls is around $30,000. I'm trying to raise donations and asking for support from my amazing and diverse community (you!) to help me keep my independence, sustain my life, continue my work and support my family.

In order to get into my current van, I have to transfer and crawl onto the floor of the van then pull my wheelchair 2 feet up and into my van, then transfer back into my wheelchair and do the reverse to get out. It is very laborious and hard on my body. I'm glad I have the opportunity to at least try to get a vehicle that is accessible and supports my disability the most. I sustained a T9-T11 complete spinal cord injury after falling from a tree in 2011. Although I am paralyzed and limited in certain ways, I make the effort to embrace what I can still accomplish. I enjoy my busy family, friends, community, and life. I don't take for granted the ability to get groceries at any time :) I work at a disability resource center and regularly travel across Minnesota to promote people getting access to disability resources that can help achieve independence and the support they need to thrive. I am an advocate in and love the disability community, my community. I am grateful for and love life, and I enjoy living it fully, despite the challenges. I truly, and with a happy heart can say I love and appreciate everyone who has contributed and helped me to continue to be of service in the best way that I can manage and imagine. THANKS for all the love and support... THANKS to the stars and back :)

Let's roll fam!

Thabiso James (Rollin') Rowan