I have had a significant change in my health over the past two years. Initially, it was a gradual decline in energy and endurance. My mobility has been stable which has allowed me to walk short distances with minimal assistance for my balance.

However, last year I developed severe chest and back pain. Up to this point in time, I was physically able to manage the defective ramp.

However, these changes to my health have made it more difficult to manage the ramp. It took 3 months of uncontrollable pain before I was diagnosed with several additional compressed disks in my back. These were located in my neck, mid and lower back.

The next three months involved several epidural treatments in my spine at 3 week intervals. Finally a radio frequency ablation was done which improved the pain to a tolerable level. I am no longer physically able to assist with the ramp.

I am now required to schedule a volunteer to accompany me to all my appointments to manage the ramp. I am now developing difficulties with my neck which will again require more frequent appointments and procedures.

These changes have significantly affected my mobility, pain and endurance. I am no longer able to use my van independently due to the issues with the remote ramp system. As a result, I had to put my volunteer activities on hold while I seek options for a replacement accessible vehicle.

I am continuing my work with caregivers via a group page on Nextdoor Neighbor which currently has 250 members nextdoor.com The site offers a place where caregivers can be supportive and share information pertaining to care for their loved ones. It includes pertinent local information, resources and online resources and programs.

An accessible van will make it possible to resume my activities with Community Hospice, my church and expand my caregiver activities.

The lack of a functioning remote ramp has impacted my independence. A van with a functioning ramp system will make it possible for me to independently meet my health need and resume my volunteer activities. It will make it easier for me to schedule appointments and procedures.

I can resume activities with friends and family and not require an attendant everywhere I want to visit. My goal is to identify grant and fundraising resources to assist with achieving my goal of an accessible van with a functioning remote side door ramp system.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share my page on your social media. Every donation helps.

PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING ME…..

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus while in nursing school, which has caused problems with joint pain, arthritis & fatigue. Then several years later, I sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury. As a result, I have mobility issues and use a power wheelchair when away from home. I also have chronic pain related to my health and injury. I have an implanted pain pump and a neurostimulator to assist with pain management.

Despite my limitations, I remain positive and share that with others whenever I can. An accessible vehicle will allow me to continue my volunteer work by offering my assistance to others in addition to maintaining my independence.
I am a member of the Northeast Florida Caregivers Coalition event committee which provides educational information and programs for caregivers.

I volunteer with Community Hospice and Palliative Care where I visit patients and families on the inpatient unit. I also volunteer with Bereavement calls to families with a recent loss.

I also volunteer with United Yorkie Rescue helping Yorkies get the necessary veterinary care and finding their fur-ever homes.

A wheelchair accessible vehicle is needed so I can continue my volunteer work assisting caregivers and will allow me to maintain my independence and continue volunteering to help others.

I am a retired RN with a masters in rehabilitation nursing who always put my patients first.

I am also a Secular Franciscan in the Catholic Church which guides me to live and share the gospel. I participate in weekly bible study and church activities as able. My faith is important and sharing that with others is rewarding and a blessing.

My current handicap vehicle has mechanical issues with the wheelchair accessibility modification. My mechanics believe it is not financially feasible to attempt these repairs and recommend another vehicle. At present, I require assistance of another person to be able to load and unload my chair. The ramp no longer extends completely, and the power door does not close completely as designed. A person needs to manually lift the edge of the unfolding ramp, so it extends fully and then someone needs to manually close the power door.

Grant programs previously available are no longer an option. My only source of income is a small Social Security Retirement. The funds raised will be used to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle that is dependable and can be used independently.

Your donation is greatly appreciated. If you would share this with your friends and colleagues, it could help me reach my goal. If you have ideas or suggestions on fundraising opportunities, I would be very interested.

My family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in my honor, Linda Bertino, to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

I chose 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. And please share my page on your social media.

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

Thank you for your support!