Emily Progin, Content Manager
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COMMUNITY RALLYING TO HELP LOVING FAMILY FUND A WHEELCHAIR VAN
With Father and Son Both in a Wheelchair, “It Will Be Priceless for All of Us”
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz.—Michael and Donivan Hicks are a father and son facing unique medical challenges who have an opportunity to significantly upgrade their quality of life and safety—with a little help from their community. Fundraising with the trusted nonprofit Help Hope Live for an accessible van that can safely hold two wheelchairs, the Hicks family is aiming to reach their fundraising goal as soon as possible to bring a van within reach.
Michael and his wife, Angie, have been married for 43 years. Their second child, Donivan, was born with a missing chromosome—today, he is 41 years old and relies on a trach, a feeding tube, and 24/7 caregiving to stay healthy. “He is non-verbal and unable to do anything on his own,” explained Angie,” but he is still one of the happiest people I know.”
When Donivan’s father, Michael, was 26, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He is now reliant on a wheelchair for mobility.
Michael and Donivan need safe and reliable transportation to stay in motion—and to protect Angie’s safety as she serves as their caregiver. “The possibility of me injuring myself or them while I’m trying to transfer them into our car is a real fear,” said Angie. “Who will care for them if that happens?”
Michael and Donivan are currently homebound until they can secure a wheelchair van that can safely hold two wheelchairs. While a van will significantly improve their safety and access to medical care as well as their community, insurance doesn’t cover the cost. That means they are on the hook for roughly $64,000 out-of-pocket.
That’s why they turned to the trusted national medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live. Tax-deductible donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23438/
Their community has generously contributed over $2,500 in just one month of fundraising.
“We are a family that rarely asks for help,” explained Angie. “But our backs are against the wall on this one. A wheelchair van will give them the quality of care they deserve and the quality of life they need. It will be priceless for all of us!”
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $181 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
