I Need a Handicap Van

Darlene's hope for independence:

What Happened

My name is Darlene Thurman and I am 62 years old. I have been sick most of my adult life. I went back to college and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in psychology 11 days before I turned 60. I then got my dream job but before I could work one full day my knee went out. I had surgery after surgery and infection after infection until I finally lost my leg. I had spent over 1 year and 9 months in hospitals and nursing homes.

My Present Condition

The physical therapists now say I have plateaued. I have accomplished as much as I can and gone as far as I can go for now and the only way I can travel is in my chair. I have been able to move from the nursing home to a small apartment, but there are only two ways for me to be transported; by ambulance, in an emergency, or by a state van service. The state van can transport me but requires 1 to 3 days’ notice. Another complication is the van only runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday.  This limits you from Doctors office visits, church services, anything that takes place without notice or after the vans hours of service.

What You Can Do

Please donate

If you want give, please do and if you don’t well don’t feel bad about it, it’s okay but please do pass it on to your friends who might want to help. I don’t want anyone to do something that they might regret or feel uncomfortable with. It doesn’t matter how little or how much anyone gives it all adds up. So, if you want to be a part of this I thank you. I need over $10,500.00. That’s a lot of money but I have a good mind that needs to be shared and the only way to do that is to get out of this apartment.  Please help Me.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Thank you so much

The amount of gratitude in my heart for your help cannot be expressed. I have felt so alone with the loss of my leg. I had no idea of the impact an above the knee amputation  would have on my life.  A van would allow me to do things to that would make my life so much fuller. I could volunteer at the hospital or most of all see things like what I have already missed like sharing in my grandson getting baptized.

I need a Van.

The cost of a older model mid-grade handicapped van with a lift or ramp is around $10,500.00. I know that’s a lot of money. But I am not asking for nice handicapped van that would cost from $20,000 to $35,000. I just want something to move around town with. Please help me regain some of the independence I have lost.