Hello everyone! I am Christopher Aponte and have created this gofundme to gain support in for purchasing a vehicle that can be made handicap accessible for me to drive. I will share my story on how I became disabled and the reason I am in need of a vehicle. On April 6, 2022, I became an incomplete paraplegic due to a spinal cord injury/staph infection. I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitus in my thorasic spine. My level of injury is T6-T9. This horrible infection spread in my spinal cord so fast that it caused my brains neurological system to stop communicating from the middle of my abdomen down to my legs.

 

In the begining, I spent some time in the hospital and during that time, I slowly began to lose feeling and mobility in my legs. I also endured extreme pain - both physically and emotionally. This was a very traumatizing experience mentally. Each moment spent in the hospital, felt like a lifetime as I watched my legs stop working. As the infection grew, I lost all control of my bowel movements and bladder functions began to fail. At this point, the sensation and mobility in my legs were completely non-existent. From that point forward, my life has changed drastically. I had two surgeries in a matter of days. The second surgery was very much a success - the bacteria was removed, and the infection was treated accordingly. I have made immense progress. I went from not being able to wiggle one toe, to independently transferring on to a wheelchair, and now to using a walker for continued assistance.

 

This sudden condition has also caused me major financial distress. I am unable to work right now due to the physical demand in my position as being a wastewater operator. It requires me to walk lots of hours and distances, go up and down ladders and lift/walk with heavy objects. This was my steady income and I have exhausted all of my savings over this past year in keeping up with my bills. Effective March 1, 2023, my long-term disability and transportation that is covered through work insurance will no longer be covered by my employer. I am in the process of getting approved for SSDI but as many may or may not know, the approval process from the government is a VERY, very long and exhausting process.

 

The road to recovery is still a very long and hard battle to walk again. This is my new “normal life” for now. Your support will help me attain a reliable vehicle that I can make the proper modifications so it can be converted into a handicap accessible vehicle that I will be able to drive independantly. The vehicle will allow me to get to my doctor appointments and therapy sessions. It will also allow me to run errands and even get to the gym on my own. This vehicle will be a great asset to my life and assistance to my independent growth. 

 

Any contribution to my gofundme will be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance - from the bottom of my heart - for your support and for taking the time to read and learn about my journey amd may God bless you for your contrbution.