Mark Johnson

My name is Mark Johnson, and to know me is to know I am a creative person. I have always been artistic drawing and making things. Even though my accident in 1995 left me with a spinal cord injury and losing my best friend, I found the ability to continue. Through the years, I have had the opportunity to showcase my skills and talents, creating art and fashion shows and other events; it was a good time in my life.

Things changed the day my wheelchair accessible van caught on fire in traffic en route to an event at Chico State University. This event traumatized me trapped inside as flames flashed from underneath as my provider rushed for help. At that, I couldn’t sell the van for what it should have been worth, and without the money to pay to have it repaired, I let it go. And with no other funds, a downpayment for something else was not there, so I was stuck.

Times were tough without having a wheelchair accessible vehicle. I tried to continue as usual but accustomed to doing certain things, it got complicated, so I began cutting activities out of my life that was now inaccessible. I’ve learned to deal and not get bitter, keeping the faith. The truth to that is it has become a significant drag holding that stance.

I missed many opportunities due to not having a reliable wheelchair accessible vehicle at the ready. Through the years, I’ve made due taking public transit via the B- line, which has been a blessing, no doubt in helping me get out of the house from time to time or mandatory Dr. visits, needed errands, and the occasional social event or gathering. Without the B-Line, I have no idea how I would have gotten by or how mentally or socially, I would have reacted over all those years. I also missed out on numerous family events and job opportunities more than I’d like to count. And though the B-line has been a lifesaver, it has its limitations as it is not a taxi or Uber-type service available at all times. The B-line has limited hours, a scheduling policy, a fare to each destination, and travels only in my local area of Chico, Ca. Yet even with those restrictions, I didn’t complain, as I gradually accepted it.

At the end of 2019, I pledged myself to save up as much as I could, and in 2020 I would create a fundraising event to raise the money in whole or part to purchase an accessible van. Then COVID 19 hit, and we all know how the world has changed, so having an in-person event became out of the question. I wondered as this pandemic has dragged on the best time to present this Help Hope Live campaign, only realizing there is no better time than the present.

To be supported in this campaign would mean a tremendous amount to me as now the opportunities afforded me by having a vehicle that I can use when needed is immeasurable. I know more than all of that; it is the value that I can now bring to my local community. And those who follow me on social media or are familiar with my artwork by sharing my talents and experience more readily would mean so much to me.

On the other side of this, it would mean seeing family I haven’t in years here in California, some I’ve never met due to new members being born or getting married. To be supported in this endeavor would mean that I can plan to give back using my talents and skills to help someone else or just by bringing joy to someone else in need. I would be forever grateful to anyone who could donate to this campaign. I know some can do more than others, yet I mean it when I say I will be immensely thankful for whatever anyone can give as I know I can do more with your help.

Family and friends of Mark Johnson are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Mark has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!