Help the Bartram's Get a Mobility Van
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If you’ve met them—even once—you already know why someone would want to help them in any way they could. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful couple, here is a bit of their story:
Kathy and Bill Bartram got the news in 2002 that Bill, a Navy veteran, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Determined not to let an MS diagnosis hinder the way they care for their family and friends, they decided to take one day at a time, doing all they could to slow the progression of the disease while trusting God to keep His hand on Bill.
In January of 2019, a botched surgery resulted in permanent damage and a steady decline in Bill’s health. He almost lost his life during this time. God said “not yet”—but his health has never been the same. For a couple of years, he had home health care, but once that stopped, the entire care of her husband fell to Kathy. It’s physically and emotionally taxing, but it’s a challenge she takes on with the same love and care she’s always provided to her family.
She doesn’t complain or ask for help, but there is one thing that would make a huge difference in her ability to care for her husband and give them both a better quality of life: a mobility vehicle.
Without one, Bill has only been able to leave the house a handful of times in two years as it’s impossible for Kathy to lift him and his chair into a traditional vehicle.
This is a big expense, but there is a BIG crowd of people who love Kathy and Bill. Of course, during this time of Covid, many are struggling to make ends meet, but if those who could would give a little, those small donations could add up to a life-changing gift for a sweet family.
It’s sad that the VA will not cover this for a veteran who served his country honorably, but a community of people can take up where the VA won’t and help this deserving family during a time of real need.
Thanks for reading, and for any donation you’re able to make.
Kathy and Bill Bartram got the news in 2002 that Bill, a Navy veteran, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Determined not to let an MS diagnosis hinder the way they care for their family and friends, they decided to take one day at a time, doing all they could to slow the progression of the disease while trusting God to keep His hand on Bill.
In January of 2019, a botched surgery resulted in permanent damage and a steady decline in Bill’s health. He almost lost his life during this time. God said “not yet”—but his health has never been the same. For a couple of years, he had home health care, but once that stopped, the entire care of her husband fell to Kathy. It’s physically and emotionally taxing, but it’s a challenge she takes on with the same love and care she’s always provided to her family.
She doesn’t complain or ask for help, but there is one thing that would make a huge difference in her ability to care for her husband and give them both a better quality of life: a mobility vehicle.
Without one, Bill has only been able to leave the house a handful of times in two years as it’s impossible for Kathy to lift him and his chair into a traditional vehicle.
This is a big expense, but there is a BIG crowd of people who love Kathy and Bill. Of course, during this time of Covid, many are struggling to make ends meet, but if those who could would give a little, those small donations could add up to a life-changing gift for a sweet family.
It’s sad that the VA will not cover this for a veteran who served his country honorably, but a community of people can take up where the VA won’t and help this deserving family during a time of real need.
Thanks for reading, and for any donation you’re able to make.
Co-organizers (2)
Cindy Smith
Organizer
Norfolk, VA
Brandi Eikenburg
Co-organizer