Help Sydney Get a Wheelchair-Accessible Car for Med School

Sydney Kessler is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Deborah Kessler.

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In June, I was in a car accident and was hit on the driver’s side while I was driving. Due to being paralyzed below the waist, I have used hand controls to drive. Thus, during the accident, my arms took the brunt of the impact, and I also sustained a minor injury to my neck. With physical therapy, the right shoulder and neck have improved, but a recent MRI revealed a small anterior labral tear in the left shoulder.

Although my car is drivable and can be fixed, it is no longer suitable for me to break apart and lift the chair (approximately 30 lbs) into my car, as the left arm does most of the work. Even after the shoulder is strengthened, there is a greater risk of re-injury or possibly worsening the labral tear. Therefore, we are seeking to buy a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a ramp to lessen the strain on my shoulders. Due to the modifications, a wheelchair-accessible car costs around $30,000 more than a typical vehicle. As many know, funds are tight as a college student, let alone a medical student with a disability.

At the end of this month, I will begin medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. While there is on-campus transit, having my own vehicle provides me with the independence I need so that I can focus on medical school. Additionally, on-campus transit has certain operating hours, which are not suitable if I am on campus or at the hospital later in the day or on weekends.

I would appreciate any support you can provide. Thank you for your prayers, kindness, and generosity.

Sydney Kessler

How I previously got in my chair. On any given day, it could be 8-10 times of putting the chair in/out.