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New wheelchair accessible truck

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I developed meningitis as an infant. It was advanced by the time it was found. It wrecked havoc on my body causing me to lose both legs above the knee, my nose (and almost lost a replacement nose to an infection) as well as, fingers on my right hand, affected by the disease, needed to be reconstructed. I have endured many skin grafts and painful surgeries but it has not stopped me from graduating college or winning Miss Wheelchair Indiana in 2014!

I  earned my bachelor's degree in childhood health from Purdue University before gaining my Masters of Psychology the University of Saint Francis.
If you do not have a disability, it is easy to miss all the added expenses that go with a disability. It is easy to think that insurance, grants or other such programs pay for necessary expenses...they often don't. One such expense is a wheelchair accessible vehicle. I have always worked and worked hard. Currently I am a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor! I love trying to help others. Trials keep coming making it hard to keep up.

I need help to raise money for a newer vehicle to be modified to continue driving & keeping up with helping others & going to work. My current vehicle is nearing the end of its working life at 202,400mi and climbing everyday. It is rusting badly, the 4wd is broken, the shocks are broken, its leaking oil, it dies at least 5x after puttin in gas and has the engine light on. I can't afford repairs. I desperately need something more reliable. Currently I still owe $9000 on its loan and need to pay off the balance to boost my credit score to buy a new vehicle to be modified so I can drive due to my disability. A newer vehicle costs around $35000-45000.
In addition, i am caring solely for my 94yro mother who had a 2nd stroke in July 2018 and lost memory processing functions and most of her sight. She falls frequently  and doesnt always remember what she is doing or where she is going. I work full time and am paying out of pocket for my mom to attend a day program while I work since it is unsafe for her to be home alone. The budget is very tight. If I dont find ways to meet our financial needs I may have to quit working which will further complicate our financial situation. We have been denied funding assistance for her care.
I pray each day that God will meet our needs.
By not having a vehicle payment it would allow the monthly payment to go for my moms care and provide a safe reliable vehicle and secure my job and self-sufficiency. 
We have medical bill's and loans from trying to keep up with the household which included replacing the oven, water heater,ac & furnace.
Now the roof is leaking and the shed is ready to collapse. I'm desperately trying to keep my head above water and take over paying the house mortgage so we both have a home to live in. If you could find it in your heart to help us with our needs we would be extremely grateful. I just need help to keep going and am determined not to give up. Thank you for any help you can provide!!
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Ruth Smith
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN

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