Hi All,

Most importantly, I want to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my story. My hope is that it uplifts you and expands your vision of what is possible in your life, even when the odds are stacked against you.

My name is Al Ramirez and like everyone, my life is like a book made up of chapters. It's what's within those chapters that makes each persons story unique and fascinating.

I was born on July 14, 1961 to Albert and Janis Ramirez. While they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new baby boy, they quickly realized something was very wrong, because I decided to make an early appearance instead. 2 1/2 months early to be exact. Because of this I was born with Cerebral Palsy. It is a relentless disorder, that's like having a monkey on your back 24/7/365...until death do you part.

My family were determined to find the best treatments, therapies, trials etc. to improve my condition. I was taken to every hospital, clinic, treatment center and specialist you could imagine. While all were beneficial, most of my treatment took place at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

After extensive examination and observation, my parents were told something very sobering:

"Your son will never be able to walk without the use of any combination of walkers, crutches, canes or braces."

My mother and father were already laying the foundation for my life that continues to serve me to this day!!!

Words like Disabled, Less Than, Handicapped were NEVER part of the vocabulary, instead words like gifted, capable, strong, courageous and grateful were used in the face of adversity.

Fast forward to the age of 10. Two key things happened that changed the direction of my life forever. First, I transitioned from a school for kids with special needs to the public school in my hometown of Westchester. There I met my best friend David Gordon and a great number of classmates who have become life long friends 50+ years and counting!!!

Secondly, that summer my Grandfather built a long rectangular pool in our backyard. That is where I took my first steps in the water with an innertube, very quickly I was walking up and down the length of the pool holding on to the edge for support and finally I began walking unassisted.

I'll bet you could guess what happened next. I figured if I can do that in the pool, I can probably do it in the yard on the grass. I took my first steps walking next to a raised cement flower box that ran the length of a big backyard. Maybe 1 step and I would lose my balance and fall and I would get up and try again. I'm sure I fell hundreds, more likely thousands of times in my quest to increase my steps.

It still amazes me to this day...my parents, forever the motivators, challenged me. Like most houses in the Midwest, in the 70's we had a finished basement complete with wood paneling, shag carpet and a lava lamp to boot.

Anyway, the basement was supported by cement pillars from the stairs to the back wall maybe 50ft in length. The challenge was: "When you can walk from the stairs to the back wall without touching or falling we are going to Disney World and she taped a $50 bill on the wall for good measure. (She swears it was $5, the jury is still out) True to their word we took a wonderful trip to Disney. I really don't remember, but according to my Mom it took...are you ready? 2 1/2 years!!!!

Why am I telling you this: To show that anything is POSSIBLE, and that someone's opinion of you does not have to become your destiny. I am Living Proof!!!

Throughout my high school, college, work career and to this day I have been blessed to share truly wonderful times with AMAZING people. Actually more than enough to write a book. Here are just a few examples...

As the years have passed I have slowly been forced to rely on crutches, walkers and power wheelchairs for my mobility and independence. The many years of repetitive motion from using a walker has caused chronic injuries to my neck, back, shoulders, wrists and hands.

I can still drive a car with hand controls, but I can only use a walker for a very short distance, due to nerve damage which causes my hands to go completely numb.

That is why I am in desperate need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle to maintain my independence and quality of life. I am also responsible for the care of my 84 year old mother who is struggling with the terminal illness COPD.

My mom has developed debilitating Panic Attacks anytime she leaves the house. She needs me by her side to and from Dr. appointments, which I can no longer provide using my walker.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are extremely expensive, doubling the MSRP of the vehicle after it has been modified.

I am humbled to ask for your support and people in your circle to help me complete this next chapter of my story.

God Bless and Much Love to All,

Al and "My best boy Mason"