RJ Gutierrez buy a wheelchair accessible van

We’re raising funds for RJ and Debra to buy a wheelchair friendly van.

For those of you unfamiliar with Rj’s story, RJ was leading a normal healthy life. He was newly married and raising 3 young kids, managing a local tire shop he had worked at for years. Shortly after Debra and RJ were married, RJ was diagnosed with valley fever. Though most recover fairly easily from this disease, RJ was not so lucky. His disease disseminated throughout his body. He spent the next several years receiving treatment and fighting the disease, often spending months at a time in the hospital. Because of the progression of valley fever he experienced, he was no longer able to work and helping raise his young children became more and more difficult.

Throughout the years following his diagnosis, RJ had several serious cases of pneumonia, and eventually developed interstitial lung disease due to the trauma and scarring. This also led to cysts forming on his lung and spine. These complications led to RJ eventually losing motion in his legs and arms, leaving him bed ridden. He was eventually able to regain enough strength to move to a wheelchair, but this also brought a new set of challenges. With RJ unable to work, and Debra providing 24 hour care (as well as raising 3 children), the family has had to make several sacrifices just to make ends meet. They are solely reliant on RJs disability income and have no means of transportation designed for a wheelchair. RJ has spent the last 18 months confined to the house simply due to lack of transportation. And since he requires such a high level of care, Debra has also been constrained to being home with the exception of short trips to the store.

Luckily, they received an amazing opportunity last week. A used mobility van, which can often run close to $100k, had become available at a reasonable price. This van would be a lifesaver for this amazing family, and allow them to finally lead a somewhat normal life despite the severe situation they found themselves in. We would love to help this family raise a little money to offset the cost of the van.