Raelynn's Van And Renos!
Donation protected
Hello everyone! My name is Raelynn Silver and I am four years old. I have epilepsy, severe global developmental delay, tricuspid atresia - which is led me to have 2 open-heart surgeries with the possibility of more in the future, as well as auditory neuropathy- a hearing impairment.
I try very hard, but I'm not able to sit unsupported or hold my head up for more then a few seconds. I also have problems with my hips. My team feels that being in my wheelchair will help me keep my hips in a healthier position. I love my wheelchair because it gives me the freedom to explore toys that my mom and dad give me as well as not having to always be held. I do like my own space!! My wheelchair supports my head enough so that I can look around my home and also my community when we go for walks. I love being in my wheelchair so I can play with my friends while I'm at school.
My family used to go on more road trips, but because my wheelchair took up a lot of space in the vehicle we used to have, they were less and less. It was just too hard and it took up too much space. My wheelchair is not only big, but it is also heavy. It weighs about 100 pounds and I'm also growing bigger and heavier every day!! My parents had to pick me up and get me into the car seat which was finally forward facing, and had to take apart my wheelchair and put it into the back of the vehicle. With the new van that we have gotten, they don't have to do that anymore!! The van is made especially for me!!! It has made my mommy and daddy's life so much easier, they can look after their bodies, because that is so important, I need them healthy too!
We are also getting a lift installed in our house so they don't have to pull me and my wheelchair up the stairs to get into our house. We had to get another door installed!My own door!!
Mom and dad have also gotten a quote to renovate their bathroom to make it easier to give me showers instead of baths, because when I'm wet, I'm like a slippery, wet, heavy noodle! They realize that to continue being respectful of my independence and my personal space, our bathroom needs to be renovated in order for my bath chair to fit in the shower. They've spoken to many specialist about this and have found out exactly what needs to be done to make this better for me. We are fortunate because of Alberta Aids to Daily Living. They will help with the cost of the equipment required, but there's no financial support to help with the cost of the renovations needed which is been quoted over $15,000.
I'm wanting to share all this information with you because my parents have done a lot of research to determine what will make my life easier, and theirs too. I'm growing bigger every day and I know how hard lifting me is on their backs and their shoulders. They have already ordered the lift, added the door for the lift, and gotten the van with the wheelchair accessible conversion done, and a special docking station so my wheelchair locks in very well.
All of this is so very exciting and is making life easier, however, it is a lot of stress on my mom and dad. Having everything all happening, they are looking at over $60,000 in new expenses that, if I didn't need them, they wouldn't do. My daddy has a great job, and we are so thankful and my mommy stays at home with me because I really need her love and support. We live in an amazing community that has been so supportive of me from the time I was born and my parents are so appreciative of each and every person/group that has helped us. This is not easy for my parents, they have been humbled by the support they have already received, but people are asking how they can help, so here it is! I wanted to share a bit of my story, so you would understand a little bit of what my family is going through. If you would like to make a donation to help them cover the costs that they are now facing, all in order to make my life better, please do so. Please don't feel obligated, and if you are unable/don't want to, please say a little prayer or shoot me some positive vibes-I really like those! Love ❤️ and hugs :
Raelynn
I try very hard, but I'm not able to sit unsupported or hold my head up for more then a few seconds. I also have problems with my hips. My team feels that being in my wheelchair will help me keep my hips in a healthier position. I love my wheelchair because it gives me the freedom to explore toys that my mom and dad give me as well as not having to always be held. I do like my own space!! My wheelchair supports my head enough so that I can look around my home and also my community when we go for walks. I love being in my wheelchair so I can play with my friends while I'm at school.
My family used to go on more road trips, but because my wheelchair took up a lot of space in the vehicle we used to have, they were less and less. It was just too hard and it took up too much space. My wheelchair is not only big, but it is also heavy. It weighs about 100 pounds and I'm also growing bigger and heavier every day!! My parents had to pick me up and get me into the car seat which was finally forward facing, and had to take apart my wheelchair and put it into the back of the vehicle. With the new van that we have gotten, they don't have to do that anymore!! The van is made especially for me!!! It has made my mommy and daddy's life so much easier, they can look after their bodies, because that is so important, I need them healthy too!
We are also getting a lift installed in our house so they don't have to pull me and my wheelchair up the stairs to get into our house. We had to get another door installed!My own door!!
Mom and dad have also gotten a quote to renovate their bathroom to make it easier to give me showers instead of baths, because when I'm wet, I'm like a slippery, wet, heavy noodle! They realize that to continue being respectful of my independence and my personal space, our bathroom needs to be renovated in order for my bath chair to fit in the shower. They've spoken to many specialist about this and have found out exactly what needs to be done to make this better for me. We are fortunate because of Alberta Aids to Daily Living. They will help with the cost of the equipment required, but there's no financial support to help with the cost of the renovations needed which is been quoted over $15,000.
I'm wanting to share all this information with you because my parents have done a lot of research to determine what will make my life easier, and theirs too. I'm growing bigger every day and I know how hard lifting me is on their backs and their shoulders. They have already ordered the lift, added the door for the lift, and gotten the van with the wheelchair accessible conversion done, and a special docking station so my wheelchair locks in very well.
All of this is so very exciting and is making life easier, however, it is a lot of stress on my mom and dad. Having everything all happening, they are looking at over $60,000 in new expenses that, if I didn't need them, they wouldn't do. My daddy has a great job, and we are so thankful and my mommy stays at home with me because I really need her love and support. We live in an amazing community that has been so supportive of me from the time I was born and my parents are so appreciative of each and every person/group that has helped us. This is not easy for my parents, they have been humbled by the support they have already received, but people are asking how they can help, so here it is! I wanted to share a bit of my story, so you would understand a little bit of what my family is going through. If you would like to make a donation to help them cover the costs that they are now facing, all in order to make my life better, please do so. Please don't feel obligated, and if you are unable/don't want to, please say a little prayer or shoot me some positive vibes-I really like those! Love ❤️ and hugs :
Raelynn
Organizer
Serina Silver
Organizer
Taber, AB
