Help a fellow DUer in great need

[JNelson6563]

63. 2106! Let's keep it up DU!

In case this is the first you have come across this, here's the situation you are helping with:

My daughter's name is Natasha and she is 28 years old. She enjoys balloons, als of music, going for rides, community activities--especially blues festivals, and arts/crafts. When she smiles, it is pure. Natasha experienced lack of oxygen at birth, resulting in severe, multiple disabilities/conditions which include: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, legal blindness, developmental delay (approx. 1 yr old level), oral-motor dysfunction (exclusive gastrointestinal tube feeding), nonverbal, nonambulatory, and is medically fragile.

An accessible vehicle is a necessity for us. Natasha weighs 125 pounds and her wheelchair is 150 pounds. It does not break down into sections. When we first bought our present modified van, she squealed as she beamed--her view from the front passenger side was unobscured. Natasha likes to hold hands when we drive. Having Natasha next to me in the front passenger side has also been critical in my being able to monitor her, as she is prone to choking. Alas, the van is a 1996 and is protesting its long line of duty, despite my tender care.

Many years ago I gave up my career to help develop our local Family Resource Center for families with members who have disabilities and volunteered in support groups, advocacy, informational meetings, community representation and education, and program management while caring for Natasha. I am not eligible for disability because of this work history. Now I am a single mom who has fibromyalgia /chronic fatigue syndrome and am unable to work any more--other than being Natasha’s caregiver. We would be immensely grateful if we won an accessible vehicle before we become stranded by our present one.

Thank you for your support and please remember to vote daily.

Thanks again all!