John's New Handicapped Van Fund

My name is John, I am disabled with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. I have been wheelchair bound for most of my life. Some may call this a curse, but I don’t see it that way. I am blessed to be alive, as I know that if I had been born with any other form of Muscular Dystrophy I would not even be alive today.

I remember as a child attending Muscular Dystrophy (MD) camp being the only child in a wheelchair. I watched as other children with MD were still able to run around and play. As I returned to the camp year after year, I saw those same children lose their ability to move without help. Eventually, they too would be wheelchair bound, and most of them have since passed away. I may not be able to walk and do many things that others can do, but I am still ALIVE!

Despite my disability I am still able to continue working, and have done so, but lately getting to work has become an issue. On October 26, 2014 my handicap van was totaled in a hit-and-run accident. The second vehicle left the scene. Despite having a broken right arm, three breaks in my left leg, and a dislocated hip and collarbone, I have managed to heal near completely. The loss of my van has severely impacted my life because it makes it difficult to get to work.

Despite my disabilities I still work full-time. In fact, I recently became the operating partner in a local tax business. I don't have much money, but my partner told me he would purchase the business if I ran it. This was back last summer when I still had my dependable vehicle.

Being a working disabled man is tough. Being a working disabled man without a handicapped accessible van is devastating. Cabs and handicapped transport companies charge a small fortune to transport the disabled, and rides usually need to be scheduled 24 hours in advance. This isn't very practical for a handicapped man trying to work and keep his independence.

I am thankful that I was able to borrow a van to get to and from work. Unfortunately, this van has engine and mechanical issues. It really isn’t safe as there are not proper cables to hold my wheelchair in place when I drive. The thing is I don’t have the money to fix these issues, even if the van belonged to me. I am very thankful to those who have loaned me this vehicle. Nevertheless, if my loaner vehicle brakes down before this drive completes, I will not be able to live up to my side of the partnership. This is not something I can make up down the line either, the tax business is very seasonable, and if I miss work I will miss crucial deadlines and decisions. Everything I have built over the last year will fall apart.

I need a new van.

I am seeking to raise $30,000 to buy a new handicap accessible van that I can use to transport me to and from work. I am asking for your help to regain my freedom. Freedom to work. Freedom to live. Freedom to feel like a human being. A new handicapped accessible van would literally change my life. Please help me get my freedom back.

I am a private person and do not easily come forward to ask for help. Thank you to those who have already donated, I appreciate every one of you. To quote Gandalf, with every donation "hope is kindled! Seeing that someone cares really makes a difference.

Please donate to help me purchase a new handicap van. All money raised will be used solely for this purpose. Please give what you can, whether it is $5 or $500, each small donation is one step closer to reaching my goal. Please also help by spreading the word and sharing this page with others who may be able to help. Every share helps! I thank the many who have already donated, and any who do.

Please... Please dear friends, tell everyone you know. Thank you for helping! Thank you for giving!