My name is Patricia Munch, I am 27 years old and have had multiple medical problems since I was a baby. Fourteen years ago I was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Encephalopathy.  This disorder affects how my body processes energy.  It affects my muscles different ways.  Ten years ago I was able to participate in modified sports and could walk.  I used a wheelchair only for long distances.  Over the last few years my disorder has worsened.  I wear a special leg brace to help me walk and I rely on machines to get nutrition.  I deal with different medical equipment to help me through the day.  Most of my time is spent at doctor's offices, seeing my many specialists who work hard to keep me healthy. There are many changes happening now and I am needing more medical help than I did when I was younger. Which is ok because despite it all I still have my dreams and faith to follow my passion of photography.

Last year I had major surgery on my knee. This was to prevent my knee from going out on me, causing me to fall.  My doctor found that I had significant atrophy in my muscles around my knee.  Although the surgery was a success I need to be in my wheelchair to get around safely.  I am currently using a manual chair which somebody has to push, as I get tired very easily.

Since my surgery, my mom and dad have bought me a stair lift so that I can get up and down from my bedroom without help.   To pay for this they had to take out a loan which needs paid.  As my condition continues to get worse, I will need more adaptive equipment and modifications to our house which the insurance does not cover.

To help me be more independent it was decided by my doctor that I start using an electric wheelchair which is coming at the beginning of December. Fortunately this is being covered by insurance. Using a new chair will allow me to go to college and become more independent in my daily living for as long as I can be.

 Although I will never be able to drive my first goal is to help pay for a modified van so that my parents can transport me and my service dog. My mom and dad are finding that getting the right kind of van is not an easy thing. My mom also has physical limitations and therefore the van needs to be all automatic which costs more than a manual conversion. Although public transportation is available where I live, the modified van will allow me to go out with my family to doctor appointments and visiting family and friends.

I am asking from my heart to our friends, family and acquaintances that they help us get the word out so that I can raise $60,000 to help pay for the van and my other medical expenses. Any amount you can give would be appreciated. Please help me reach my goal.