Rachel's Wheelchair Van
Donation protected
In 2006 Rachel loved hanging with friends, being silly and dreaming of being a veterinarian.
The middle of three silly girls!
A poor choice to accompany a friend, chasing a car full of boys, tragically ended when the vehicle she was riding in spun out of control and crashed into a concrete barrier on the side of the road.
She ran out the door a beautiful carefree teen. The next time I saw her ...... the world as we knew it changed!
No broken bones or spinal cord injuries but her head took several blows leaving her with a Traumatic Brain Injury --- unable to talk or walk---all independence gone!
She has spent the past ten years in silence unable to continue eventing with her beloved horse Klowy, watching her younger sister reach the milestones she can only imagine, but even harder to swallow is the loneliness as her friends move on pursuing their dreams.
With persistence she graduated from High School in 2012, with honors.
Rachel is confined to a bed most of the day. When she needs to leave, for a doctor's appointment, to take a shower, or just for a change of pace, she is wheeled about in a chair that supports her head and legs.
She can not control her feet or her right arm and struggles to raise her head. To reduce muscle spasms and pain, she has a pump inserted in her right side that sends a chemical, Baclofen, to her spine.
With much effort, she can lift and turn her left arm and hand as she fingerspells for communication. Prior to the accident she knew sign language and retained this ability.
After 10 years she still dreams....of a future, getting married, having children, having a life! As her mother I want to encourage her but as her caregiver I see the barriers.
To maneuver the world she needs to be transported in a wheelchair accessible vehicle. We can't just jump on a bus or hail a cab.
A new van is out of the question at 60000+ but we can buy a used van from a rental agency and have it converted.
We are 1/2 way there but need help with the rest.
You might consider checking out our website
Www.wheelchairsamongus.com
for gift ideas for your loved ones.
The middle of three silly girls!A poor choice to accompany a friend, chasing a car full of boys, tragically ended when the vehicle she was riding in spun out of control and crashed into a concrete barrier on the side of the road.
She ran out the door a beautiful carefree teen. The next time I saw her ...... the world as we knew it changed!
No broken bones or spinal cord injuries but her head took several blows leaving her with a Traumatic Brain Injury --- unable to talk or walk---all independence gone!She has spent the past ten years in silence unable to continue eventing with her beloved horse Klowy, watching her younger sister reach the milestones she can only imagine, but even harder to swallow is the loneliness as her friends move on pursuing their dreams.
With persistence she graduated from High School in 2012, with honors.
Rachel is confined to a bed most of the day. When she needs to leave, for a doctor's appointment, to take a shower, or just for a change of pace, she is wheeled about in a chair that supports her head and legs.
She can not control her feet or her right arm and struggles to raise her head. To reduce muscle spasms and pain, she has a pump inserted in her right side that sends a chemical, Baclofen, to her spine.
With much effort, she can lift and turn her left arm and hand as she fingerspells for communication. Prior to the accident she knew sign language and retained this ability.
After 10 years she still dreams....of a future, getting married, having children, having a life! As her mother I want to encourage her but as her caregiver I see the barriers.
To maneuver the world she needs to be transported in a wheelchair accessible vehicle. We can't just jump on a bus or hail a cab.
A new van is out of the question at 60000+ but we can buy a used van from a rental agency and have it converted.
We are 1/2 way there but need help with the rest.
You might consider checking out our website
Www.wheelchairsamongus.com
for gift ideas for your loved ones.
Organizer and beneficiary
Darlene Daubert Dombroski
Organizer
Lake Worth, FL
Rachel Dombroski
Beneficiary
