Disabled Best Friend Needs a Helping Hand

In school Ven was something of a punk rebel. He always spoke his mind and left no opinion untold. He was blunt, swore freely, and always made others laugh. I am sure some people were intimidated by his strong personality, confidence and style. 

I moved far away after school but over time our friendship continued. Despite the distance Ven and I are closer now than ever before. I remember when he told me about being diagnosed with ALS. I would visit him over the years, and watch as he lost his mobility and voice. 

I often thought maybe Ven was so outspoken about his personality and who he was because on some level he knew his time for radical self expression would be limited. 

Being trapped within his own body I believe Ven has conquered an internal challenge of self, and achieved spiritual breakthroughs. Throughout his progression of ALS he has grown immeasurably as a person. I truly admire his character, his will, and his hope. 

A few years ago, I encouraged Ven to write his story. He uses a screen with eye blinking technology to select and type out each letter. Its his way to have a voice. For now others can read what he has to say. His mind is good. His bodily limitations are mighty. 

He's opened my eyes to so many aspects of life. Like the challenges of dating and love with a disability. He's been living in a remade apartment in his parents garage, it is completely accessible but finding reliable help has proven difficult. The process has led his family to paying out of pocket, bleeding the families savings. Due to stress on the family for caregiving and finances, Ven has decided to make the move into a Skilled Nursing Facility. 

I want to help make this transition a little easier by paying off his debt, because his disability benefits will now be going towards the care he will receive.

At 36 years old it's a big decision, but he is looking at this as a fresh start. I am hopeful that making this move will be a positive change, a chance to meet new people, make friends. Also, closer to the culture of the city, with more accessibility options than in the rural country.

Please consider giving what you can during this big life change for my dear friend.