Takisha's Renovation Project

            My name is Takisha Blackwell and I reside in Dinwiddie, Virginia and I am asking for your help to improve the condition of my home which will enable me to remain in it safely.   When I was nine years old, I was in an automobile accident. This accident left me paralyzed from the neck down (Quadriplegic) that was 37 years ago.   This forever changed two lives; my mother and I.  We were not sure how this would affect our family, but knew, with God on our side, he would equip us with the necessary things in life to endure our unexpected journey.  Despite my disability, I learned to accept my new reality in life.  

My mother passed away last year (2015) and she was my sole caregiver.  She lost her 2 year battle with cancer but up until she was unable to do so, she made sure there was quality in my life.   As you can imagine my life has been forever changed!  I cannot walk, move, or do simple things without the assistance of another individual; such as brush my teeth.   Today, I am trying to pick up the pieces of my life without my mom.  She performed all activities of daily living.  She made sure I remained free from bed sores, she performed my daily bladder catheterizations, and little nuances like making sure I have my chew blanket before she tucked me in at night J I’m sure you can imagine that with my nightly catheterizations, bed turnings and repositioning, and daily care it is a bit challenging – now imagine it without my mom.

I am fortunate to be able to remain in my family home supported by my cousin.  The challenge for me is that because of my mother’s health she was not able to take care of some of the home maintenance that was needed.  We have some challenges with our flooring and ceiling and other maintenance issues.  I want to remain in my family home but the cost of performing some of the home maintenance is posing a financial burden.

Like anything in life, we manage together with some difficulty along our way.  After all of the hard work that my mother has put in for my care she has was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and eventually cancer took her life.   I request help with repairs or a new house. I would love something that will make my care a little more manageable and to provide a home that is accessible not only for me but for the individuals who provide for my care.  I have lived in a manufactured trailer for over 20 years, which was never adequately equipped for a person with quadriplegia who utilizes a power wheel chair for mobility.  Our current living situation does not have an adequate fire escape for myself, does not allow me to take a shower, and I am confined to only 3 of the rooms in our small abode.  It would be nice just to feel the water running down my body while taking a shower.

I loved attending school to better myself. I received an associate’s degree some years ago and this was quite an accomplishment.     Since my mother passing, I have a cousin who has volunteered to live with me and be my caretaker along with a day nurse.  We continue to push and pray that while I am still among the living, I can enjoy some of the things in life other’s take for granted.   

            I am requesting your help in obtaining a new trailer or funding that will enable me to make needed home repairs to my existing one.   Your consideration and assistance with this request would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

 

Patiently waiting,

Takisha Blackwell