Better mobility for Diane

Hi, my name is Mona and I’m fund raising for my sister Diane. She is handicapped and wheelchair bound due to her dwarfism causing severe spinal stenosis. She has had multiple spinal surgeries causing leg weakness and pain that she has been enduring for many years. A few years ago, she fell, breaking her thigh bone(femur). This was a severe fracture that led to surgery, hospitalization, and months of rehab. Since then, she has slowly deteriorated into being completely wheelchair bound.

My sister is the most positive person I know despite her disabilities, adversities, and challenges. She has always been such an optimistic person, even with her handicaps. The word ‘no’ was never in her vocabulary. Because of that, she managed to ski, hike, camp, kayak, and even go whitewater rafting when she was younger and able to. Her independent spirit was inspiring to all who met her! Her passion right now is knitting, for which she has made countless stockings, hats, scarves, blankets, and several other items for family, friends, cancer patients, and various charities. This is the selfless person that she is. She also volunteered for The American Cancer Society as well as the Brunswick Visitor Center before becoming home bound.

Diane’s husband Kenny does an amazing job taking care of her, but every task is a major challenge and becoming more difficult, from just going to the bathroom, showering, or getting in and out of bed. She can almost bear no weight and is very difficult to lift, which is the reason for my first request. It is a device called a Hoya lift that would help Kenny to move her from wheelchair, to bathroom, shower, and bed more easily. They sell for around $1500, which is the average price that I have seen.

My second request is for a wheelchair van that would give Diane more mobility outside of the house for various appointments and doctor visits. Just getting her out for a drive to enjoy fresh air or to a restaurant would provide much-needed emotional rehab. A wheelchair van would make her outdoor excursions so much easier for both her and Kenny. This needs to be a full automatic lift and therefore a full-sized van. Looking at one that is a few years old with low mileage goes for around $75,000, which is a mid-point price.

The total cost for both would be approximately $76,500. Any leftover money would go to health care costs, including home health staff to come in and assist Kenny. Health insurance covers very minimally or not at all for these services.

Diane has been through so much in her life. I try to help as much as I can, but it is becoming increasingly difficult without the tools needed. We so appreciate any donation small or large to help with the expensive costs of healthcare for her. Thank you for reading this and wanting to help.