Love for Laura

Laura believes that “we can overcome anything we want to- if we choose to”, but this is one obstacle that Laura needs help to overcome.  Laura is in need of a wheelchair accessible van and her family is asking for your help in making that happen. 

 

This past weekend, as Laura and I headed into the valley, we chatted about the possibility of a new wheelchair van.  Getting her into the car had been a challenge, one that fewer and fewer people are able to accomplish.  At this point, Laura has 2 people in her life who feel comfortable helping her into and out of a car.  But Laura has countless people who would love to take her out, if only they could. 
As we drove, the base of her chair folded up in the trunk and the pieces taking up room in the backseat, I told Laura “we are going to begin trying to raise funds for an accessible van for you!”  
I thought she’d be excited— an accessible van would open so much possibility:  she could go on family outings, visit new friends, find a care provider who can take her on adventures, live the life she so desperately wants to live. 
She was quiet.  I asked how she felt about a new van and she said that she felt “sad”.  I asked why, and she explained “I’m unable to ask for help proficiently”. 
Her take surprised me: she knows she needs help in every aspect of her daily life, and she knew she’d need extra help to be able to purchase the van, but she also knows she’s not able to verbalize her wants and needs on her own. 
So we will do that for her: Laura needs help. 
Laura defines her illness as such: : “MLD sucks.  It means my life is harder- I can’t do things like feed myself or walk.  MLD is horrible- it has affected my life drastically.  I need help getting dressed and I can’t do things properly.  I need help- with help, I can do great things”.  Laura describes herself as “fun to hang out with” and shares, “I’m amazed that I’m alive”.  She adds, “I’m a kind person who cares about life and my heart.  I have great friends and a kickass family.  I’m amazing and I like life.” 
She has the most incredible zest for life, and wants to be able to live her life fully and with adventure and purpose.  Lately, when asked what she’d like to do each day, her response is simple: “go outside”.  This request represents so much more, though.  Laura wants to be able to live her dreams, to visit her family and friends, to go dancing and to concerts, to continue living the most beautiful and bold life she could ever imagine.  
In December of 2017, Laura’s Mom had knee surgery, after postponing the inevitable through months of agony: she was worried and wanted to be able to continue to care for Laura.  The surgery did not go as planned, and her worst fears came true: she is no longer able to provide care for Laura.  Since January, Laura has lived in a care home, where she stays in her wheelchair all day.  Because Laura’s Mom can’t move her anymore, they haven’t been able to spend any mother-daughter time together alone in more than 10 months.  Laura spends most days sitting inside in her wheelchair, instead of doing what she loves: living life to the fullest. Laura’s days may be numbered, but they are not without dreams and wishes.  She has so much living left to do, and needs help to do so. 

“Helping others makes me feel important.  When I help them, I get love”- Laura
Please help Laura -- we promise you will feel loved!