Help Joan get a Van

This is my sister Joan. Joan has been disabled all of her life. She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia around the age of 16-18 months old. Later, the diagnosis changed to multiple epiphyseal displaysia and then, as an adult, was changed again to pseudoachondroplasia (false dwarfism). From the onset, doctors predicted that her joints would wear out too early and that arthritis would be her lot in life. Beginning with her first corrective surgery in her Junior year of college to today, she has lost count, but the total seems to be someplace over 40 surgeries. Both knees, both hips and both shoulders have been replaced, several fusions in her back, the list just goes on and on. Yet, Joan has persevered through it all not only to be independent but also to be a help to others in her church and her community. Most of the time, this involved using her van to transport herself or others from place to place for Bible Quizzing, doctor appointments, the grocery store, or community aid.

Through a project she was doing for a financial planning class, Joan decided to research the availability of funding for disabled people to get their vehicles repaired or replaced. Using her own mobility adapted 1996 Chevy Lumina, Joan sought to verify the condition of her van with a mechanic. She was told she needed small things like new tires, etc. She sought a second opinion and was then told the suspension was no longer attached to the frame because it was rusted through. A third opinion confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately, both mechanics said this failure is unable to be repaired and, in some states, the vehicle would even have to be removed from service immediately due to the potential of a catastrophic failure.

We’ve all been in this situation. Faced with what seems to be insurmountable. Joan is unable to work and has been on disability for many years. She does not have savings and truly lives with the bare minimums on disability. Her research on this project has found that there is little to no help through the system for help with repairs or replacement. Thus, we are reaching out to you. It is not fun to ask for money but she needs help to remain independent. If you are able, would you please help her to get another van? She has found one near her that is already lift adapted but she cannot afford it on her own. Thank you for anything you can give and for your prayers for Joan! Much Love!