Paralyzed Sister Needs Handicap Van
Donation protected
I remember vividly the first time I heard what happened to Nikki. When she was only 17 years old Nikki woke up one day and could not move her legs …. she was paralyzed! Just like that, Nikki went from being a healthy senior in high school to being a paraplegic in a wheelchair. Doctors never figured out what caused the paralysis or how to cure it. Fast forward 47 years …. although Nikki is still confined to a wheelchair and in pain almost every day, she continues to care for her elderly husband who is in very poor health and requires frequent doctor visits; helps watch her granddaughter several days each week and drives her to school; volunteers at her church making prayer blankets for people who struggle with health issues or loss; and tries to be as independent as possible.
One of the most important parts of Nikki’s independence is having a handicapped accessible vehicle that she can drive. Unfortunately, her van is 20 years old and no longer drivable. Handicapped vans are extremely expensive -- a mini-van that can be equipped runs about $30,000 and to have the equipment added is an additional $25,000! Nikki found a used van that is already equipped, for a total cost of $30,000, but she needs help paying for it as she is on a fixed, very limited income.
In the words of Reverend Davenport, Nikki’s pastor:
“Throughout our lives we come across people who serve as an inspiration to us and Nikki is one of those people. She has touched my life. Here is this woman who is not able to walk, confined to a wheelchair, with a smile on her face and a spring in her “step”. What a blessing she is – we thank God for her!
I, too, believe Nikki is an inspiration, and can truly vouch for the amazing person she is, as I have known her all my life. Nikki is my sister; a loving, selfless person who continues to be confronted with a multitude of challenges and handles them with grace and dignity. I am reaching out to ask for help with one of these challenges – helping Nikki pay for a handicapped accessible van so she can have dependable transportation for herself, her husband, and her granddaughter, hold on to her independence, and have some normalcy in her life. This vehicle will truly change her life!
I know that Nikki would be very grateful for any help you are able to offer and needs this help as soon as possible. Any amount, no matter how small, is very much appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Jill
One of the most important parts of Nikki’s independence is having a handicapped accessible vehicle that she can drive. Unfortunately, her van is 20 years old and no longer drivable. Handicapped vans are extremely expensive -- a mini-van that can be equipped runs about $30,000 and to have the equipment added is an additional $25,000! Nikki found a used van that is already equipped, for a total cost of $30,000, but she needs help paying for it as she is on a fixed, very limited income.
In the words of Reverend Davenport, Nikki’s pastor:
“Throughout our lives we come across people who serve as an inspiration to us and Nikki is one of those people. She has touched my life. Here is this woman who is not able to walk, confined to a wheelchair, with a smile on her face and a spring in her “step”. What a blessing she is – we thank God for her!
I, too, believe Nikki is an inspiration, and can truly vouch for the amazing person she is, as I have known her all my life. Nikki is my sister; a loving, selfless person who continues to be confronted with a multitude of challenges and handles them with grace and dignity. I am reaching out to ask for help with one of these challenges – helping Nikki pay for a handicapped accessible van so she can have dependable transportation for herself, her husband, and her granddaughter, hold on to her independence, and have some normalcy in her life. This vehicle will truly change her life!
I know that Nikki would be very grateful for any help you are able to offer and needs this help as soon as possible. Any amount, no matter how small, is very much appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Jill
Organizer
Jill Wozniak
Organizer
Livonia, MI