Help Kelsey Move to Maui -- No More Winter!

Hi everybody,

Well, I finally have the opportunity to take the leap and make my dreams of moving to Maui come true! – thanks in large part to my wonderful caregiver and beautiful friend, Elaine. She and her daughter, Freya, will be joining me this September and I’m so grateful and excited, we all are. Having Elaine’s support is a crucial element in making this move happen. Also, my sweet niece, Loretta, will be joining us for 10 days to help us with the move — whoop whoop! This amazing couple, Akua and Jen, are leaving Maui to surf Indonesia for one year, and they prioritized us on their long list of interested renters because their home was built for a wheelchair user!

My plan in 2012 was to move to Maui, but then I got injured, and well, the rest is history. Many of you have been with me, in one way or another, throughout my journey, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart. With a lot of love and support (though I’m not gonna lie, I’m still scared)…I am finally making this dream happen.

However, I’m hitting some road bumps, and I/we could use your help. Turns out moving to Maui is expensive (shocker, I know), especially if you’re disabled. As a person with a disability on Medicaid, I have an income cap and an asset limit in order to remain eligible. Being on Medicaid is essential for my healthcare, my medical supplies, and my daily care. So basically, I can make money, but not too much money. I’m working on taking the leap, but I have to feel like I am in a solid place to do that because my income has to take a giant leap as well. I’m very excited to share that I received a grant to hire an assistant, which is helping me expand my speaking career. Things are happening…

But to be honest, I can’t do winter anymore. I love living on Madeline Island, here in Wisconsin, but last winter was inaccessible and rough for me, mentally and physically. It was also the hardest time I’ve had finding care, and the commute to Madeline Island, mid-winter especially, was oftentimes challenging for my caregivers. I have surrendered to the fact that I need to live somewhere warm. I’m trying to commit to what feels best so that I can feel good living in this body and bring forward my best self.

Why Maui?!

This is the one warm place in the country where I have community to go to. And especially as a person with a disability, I need community. Luckily, my best friend lives there, among other beautiful friends I’ve known for years. The last time I was on Maui, I planted seeds by screening my film, Move Me, and creating relationships with the local disability community.

My goal is to live independently — off of Medicaid someday, while still feeling safe and supported so that I don’t have to live under the thumb of the government. In the meantime, I could use your help with this move and getting established on Maui.

This money could help us pay rent while transitioning onto Hawaii Medicaid. Transition times as a person with a disability can be time-consuming and that makes it difficult to do other work, being disabled becomes a full-time job. Additionally, caregivers in Wisconsin get paid less than they do in Hawaii, and it will take some time to make the switch to higher income through Hawaii Medicaid.

It is a privilege and a blessing to be taking this leap, and for that reason, I have no expectations here and appreciate whatever you feel inclined to give.

What Do We Need?

One-way flights for 2 adults and 1 child (and dog and cat!) and a round-trip flight for Loretta. $2,000.

Pet import documentation: $1600

Lodging and travel expenses: $300

Shipping my accessible vehicle to Maui: $3,500

One month’s rent: $3,400

Miscellaneous moving expenses: $500

TOTAL: $11,300

With gratitude and big love,

KP