Disabled veteran lost use of body due to cervical myelopathy. To be very clear, my disbility is NOT service related. In February 2024 during move to San Antonio to be close to my son, Adam and baby granddaughter Elena. I lost control of my body. It just went offline. I had to learn how to walk and use my hands again. They were unable to figure out what was happening. I left everything and returned to Boston to find a diagnosis. While living at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (terrific homeless shelter), finally diagnosed in September and had a surgery in November on each vertebrae in my neck (laminoplasty C3-C7). My recovery has unmasked severe osteoarthritis in my left hip and both shoulders. All require joint replacement. Through VA housing programs, I finally have a home after 15 months of sheltered homelessness!

But for me to be able to live independently, I need a few things. Foremost, I need a quality extra firm mattress. I'll need a more stable rollator and a chair that is taller than average or has lift assistance. I also need a new cat as Toulouse had to stay in San Antonio.