Stefanie Needs a New Van!

Hello! My name is Jeana, and I am fundraising for Stefanie. Here's the story...

Several years ago, I randomly stopped on the street to meet Stefanie. I just had to meet her! I would see her travel all over my side of town in her wheelchair, usually reading her Bible, and always with a smile. Her independence inspired me. Having a child with a disability, it made me so happy to see how Stefanie did not let her disability control her life. Since that day, we’ve become friends, and she continues to inspire me and shine light in this world.

In spite of having limb girdle muscular dystrophy, Stefanie has accomplished great things in her life and will continue to do so! She is an amazing mother to her son and a very organized keeper of her home.

But her independence is being taken, because her handicap-accessible van ramp is no longer in working condition, and sadly, it cannot be repaired. She needs a new vehicle.

Being the woman she is, she does not want to ask for help, so I offered to create a GoFundMe page to help fundraise for the cost of a new (well, new to her) van.

Having an accessible vehicle is so important for anyone who uses a wheelchair and can’t transfer to a seat. Insurance doesn’t view this as medically necessary, so there is no financial help for a vehicle. A new accessible van, on average, costs about $70,000. I think $10,000 is a great goal to set to fundraise to help Stefanie get a pre-owned van and gain some independence back!

Life is unpredictable and we do not know what will happen from one day to the next. Our lives can change in a split second. The gift of independence is priceless. There are so many times a car ride calms my nerves or just gives me a sense of freedom. Stefanie deserves that too.

I recently watched a video that said, "We cannot control anything in our lives, except our perspective." I believe Stefanie has mastered that!

To know Stefanie is to love her. Let’s show her some love that she so willingly gives to others.

***Please note that funds are in the name of Stefanie's husband, Nathan. Those of you with medical benefits know you cannot have very much money in your account without losing your benefits.