Urgent Help for Shane's Heart and Mobility Needs

Hi All! For those that don't already know me, my name is Shane Bourque. I am 32 years old living with Becker, Muscular Dystrophy and now Stage D congestive heart failure as of March 2024. I'm seeking financial support to help regain some independence and improve my quality of life.

Last winter I became extremely sick with pneumonia. I was eventually hospitalized for 7 days upon the shocking discovery that my heart function had severely deteriorated. The rest and inactivity during my hospitalization caused rapid deterioration of my muscles, which left me barely able to stand on my own. This began my journey to rebuild.

Prior to my sickness last March, I was extremely high functioning and highly motivated despite my neuromuscular disease diagnosis at age 5. I worked 30+ hours a week, walked without assistive devices, drove my SUV, exercised frequently, and even worked with a personal trainer twice a week for years. Going in and out of the house was never an issue. But my life abruptly changed. I became extremely ill and lost a considerable amount of strength and mobility. The satisfaction I used to achieve through my training, physical activity, and workouts to maintain my body was gone. I was forced to stop working due to my health and associated income limits required by state medicaid insurance. That move was dictated by my doctor(s) so I could see multiple specialists for ongoing evaluations for a potential heart transplant and to cover the cost of many new prescriptions.

Since March 2024 I haven't had a way to exit or enter the house without assistance. I have to ask for help any time I need/want to go outside. And of course I would be in danger in the event of a fire or other emergency.

I've tried to go through RI state medicaid insurance for ramps and they told me it's not covered after a 4+ month process last Summer/Fall. I switched to a different RI medicaid plan in hope of a positive result only to be denied again recently. Without funding through insurance, insufficient funding through a home modification grant, and my only income being social security disability benefits, I am out of options and still without the ability to enter/exit the house independently. Also after my latest cardiology visit, I learned my time is running out as well.

In early February my cardiologist informed me that I have a 0% chance of living another 5 years, and a 50/50 chance of surviving another year. My heart muscle is progressively weakening. I was denied a heart transplant citing post-surgery recovery concerns due to my MD. With all of this surreal news in mind, I need to act with urgency to make the most of the time I have left. I refuse to give up and do my best to stay positive.

Securing the funds necessary to install the required ramps would not only allow me to get outside more often, but also to go out and do enjoyable things with family and friends while I can. Needless to say this would be a monumental improvement in my day-to-day life! I will also use the ramps as an exercise tool in my ongoing rehabilitation with my physical therapist (who I am forced to pay out-of-pocket using a hefty portion of my disability benefits, as my insurance will not cover maintenance programs for chronic conditions or any home-based PT despite being home-bound).

Any contribution you can make is immensely appreciated as every little bit helps! The funds will be put to good use. Thank you all for your kindness and generosity.

-Shane