Help Lisa get a wheelchair van. Freedom!

Hello! My name is Lisa, and here is my story:-

I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS or PPMS) in 2016. I went from owning my own business as a Licensed Massage Therapist, for 17 years, to now in a wheelchair in the space of 2 years. MS affects my ability to stand, balance and walk. I am now unable to work, on Medicare and SSDI, so funds are extremely tight and savings have dwindled.

I went from a very independent, adventurous person to relying on others for transportation. This often requires loading my powerchair into a towed trailer (often parking is limited) or being transported by public transportation. This limits my ability to go places other than to Dr appointments or the occasional short outing with my partner whom has narcolepsy.

Having my own van would give me back my freedom to go where and when I please ie going shopping, getting my hair cut, meeting up with friends and family, or my favorite thing - road trips! I long to be in control and be behind the wheel as I loved to drive.

With donations from caring, compassionate and understanding people, I could purchase a van. I need an automatic ramp and door opener, lowered floors, rollaway seat so I or someone else could drive, and hand controls. A sun roof, A/C and stereo would be a bonus. A well used 2005 wheelchair van (Toyota, Dodge, etc) goes for $15,000, whereas brand new Braunability vans go for close to $80,000. Newer would be better for obvious reasons.

I am hoping I have scored enough “Good Karma” points in this lifetime to ask for your help. Anything is appreciated. Even a $5 “cup of coffee”. My goal is to be on the road by May ‘24.

Here’s to freedom!

Lisa Downing (Lisa Albers)