Let’s Break Down Barriers for Independence
Cayla is a Cape Cod native, living with Merosin-Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Given that her illness is catastrophic, she has had to constantly juggle life around her medical complexities. As she has gotten older, it’s become harder for her to do tasks that others see as simple, such as holding objects, swallowing certain foods, or using a phone with hands. However, she has not let her illness define who she is or stop her from reaching her goals.
Due to the stress of COVID-19 and some medical complications, Cayla has been delayed in finishing up her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University but hopes to finish up very soon. Her dream job would be to one-day support children and families on their own journeys of juggling living with medical complexities. She has been lucky enough to have a strong support system of her own and would like to be able to do that for others, especially given that she knows how stressful it can be from her own lived experience.
Living with this illness means that Cayla relies heavily on adaptive equipment and assistive technology to provide a “normal” life for her. Some of these things are not covered by health insurance, and anything involving accessibility costs more.
Currently, she relies on a power wheelchair to move around independently. Given that she cannot sit up without custom supports, she needs to use her wheelchair in a vehicle equipped for this so she can safely get to doctor’s appointments, do errands, enjoy being out in the community, socializing with friends, as well as eventually getting to work. The vehicle she has now is 18 years old and it’s starting to fall apart, making it impossible to fix due to rust corrosion underneath. A brand-new wheelchair-accessible vehicle can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000 due to configuring it to have a lowered floor for wheelchair height, a powered ramp to get in/out of the vehicle, and wheelchair tie-downs. The vehicle needs to be in pretty good condition due to the safety of the ramp and tie-downs, so even getting a used vehicle that’s 2-3 years old can cost $40,000. Unfortunately, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are not covered by health insurance and state-funded programs are not guaranteed.
Cayla has reached out to the non-profit organization, Help Hope Live because they are able to provide her with a personal campaign page to help fundraise for a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle without impacting her medical benefits. With your tax-deductible donations, Cayla will be able to continue to live as independently as she possibly can, with a vehicle that is safe and reliable. Please consider donating towards her fundraiser and know that she is deeply grateful for your support.
To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please consider sharing her page on your social media platforms.
Thank you!
Updates (10)
June 2, 2021
In total, we’re at $29,043 so far!! Thank you all so much!
May 14, 2021
We are currently at $21,552!! Thank you!!
May 10, 2021
We are at $3,909 away from the halfway mark of $50,000! ❤️
I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has been able to donate so far. I'm so incredibly appreciative of your support in helping me get closer to achieving my goal of maintaining the ability to safely get to where I need to go. Without this accessible vehicle, I wouldn't achieve my dream of supporting children and families within my community. It's all I have ever wanted to do, and I can't wait to one day get there.
If you have already donated, or are unable to do so at this time, I'd be grateful if you could continue to help by spreading around the Cape News article, the Facebook fundraising page, and the campaign page on social media. Again, thank you!
https://www.capenews.net/sandwich/news/sandwich-woman-raising-money-for-new-wheelchair-accessible-van/article_0aaf510f-3252-5d60-a575-1b3f4f2d34f3.html?fbclid=IwAR0RsTaJNrr7RYPYhNGjQChJNYjD0JcNkemrwna2-l8GBefnhUKLAcdco20
May 7, 2021
$1,014 away from $20,000! Thank YOU!
May 4, 2021
We are $9 away from $18,000! Thank you!!
April 28, 2021
Between both the Facebook fundraiser and this campaign page, the total is $7,086!! Thank you, everyone!
https://www.capenews.net/sandwich/news/sandwich-woman-raising-money-for-new-wheelchair-accessible-van/article_0aaf510f-3252-5d60-a575-1b3f4f2d34f3.html?fbclid=IwAR1BRmNrTfEA9gIW_zzGdh0BwqBbBnC_o6kV0B8c6RH37wtcYrD1J5jz4Jg
April 18, 2021
We’re now at $5,186 between both the Facebook fundraiser and the campaign page! THANK YOU!! Keep sharing, as well as invite your friends to donate and/or share on their Facebook pages too. It's so incredibly appreciated!
April 14, 2021
We're at $4,090 between both the Facebook fundraiser and my campaign page! THANK YOU!! Keep sharing, as well as invite your friends to donate and/or share on their Facebook pages too.
April 8, 2021
In one week, we have raised $2,705+! Thank YOU! Please remember to share on your social media accounts :)
April 5, 2021
Thank you to all who have donated thus far! Cayla is deeply grateful for all of your contributions. Please continue to share her campaign to help her get closer to reaching her goal. Again, thank you!
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
June 27, 2021
Your strength is admirable!
Ellery Gould
June 17, 2021
This is a great cause and I am happy I am able to help.
John Brophy
June 14, 2021
I can’t wait to see you rolling down the road in your new wheels!
Gary Linehan
June 7, 2021
Cayla- you rock! Hopefully this will help you roll!
Marjorie Curran
June 7, 2021
We wish you the best Kayla
saad alam
June 4, 2021
You are incredible!! Keep up the good work Cayla!!
Billie Starks
June 2, 2021
Thinking of you , Cayla!
Donna Tuohy
May 30, 2021
Go, Cayla, Go!! George, my ECAD service dog and I wish you many happy miles and smiles in your soon- to- be new van!!!
Leah Levine Pacifico
Keah Pacifico
May 26, 2021
member of my fishing Cape cod. My great aunt uses a wheelchair van and I know how difficult it can be without one. God bless you
Theodore Nesius
May 26, 2021
I'm so happy to see you getting closer and closer to your goal. I bet you will really enjoy your new van. Keep up the great dream of helping others navigate the healthcare system! Thank you for being an inspiration!
Ryan Collins
May 25, 2021
Wishing you the best!
Wish Gift Co.
May 16, 2021
We hope this helps!! - Adam DiPetta and Mopars of Mass
Adam DiPetta
May 10, 2021
Best of Luck!
Lori McKenna
May 10, 2021
The Social Work World is so lucky to have you as part of it. Best of luck.
-a fellow Social Worker ❤️
Kerri Moll
May 9, 2021
Love Colette and Nicola Beirne (Ross’s family)
Colette Beirne
May 9, 2021
Go Cayla!
Mare Parker-otoole
May 8, 2021
I am so excited for you and I miss seeing you at the Quashnet. You are such an inspiration in all that you do.
Louise Johnson
May 8, 2021
Kate McCoy
May 8, 2021
Love you Cayla!
Meghan Sullivan
May 8, 2021
Cayla, you are a remarkable young lady and an inspiration!
Lisa McGrath
May 8, 2021
My dad was a paraplegic from age seven on. I learned to drive using hand controls. Everyone deserves the means to access vital services and live life fully., but it’s expensive when you need special equipment. This gift is in his memory.
Ruth Provost
May 7, 2021
Kayla, you are amazing young woman- your community is proud of you!
Jennifer Govoni
May 7, 2021
Cayla was a classmate of my son at SHS 2008. He said Cayla is a really nice person. I’m glad to help.
Roger Bumstead
May 7, 2021
Good luck!!
Daryl Crossman
May 7, 2021
God Bless Cayla!!!
Steven Xiarhos
May 6, 2021
Wishing you all good things, Cayla. You are an inspiration!
Suzanne Pearson
May 6, 2021
Best wishes to you!! Happy to help you reach your goal!
Kristine McDonald
May 4, 2021
When asked, "when you grow up, what do you want to be?"
The boy responded, "kind".
Anonymous
May 4, 2021
Best of luck in reaching your goal!
Paula Esmond
May 3, 2021
We will help you spread the word about your fund raising campaign for a new van!
Sandwich Animal Hospital
May 3, 2021
Best of luck to you!! I hope you can get a new accessible van very soon :)
Megan Orth
May 2, 2021
Good luck Cayla!
Anonymous
May 2, 2021
We are with you Cayla! Stay Strong!!!
Anonymous
April 30, 2021
You got this Ms. Cayla! We miss you at Quashnet & wish you nothing but the best!
Love, Kiri Sawyer & Family
Grade 6
Amanda & Kiri Overton
April 29, 2021
Good luck reaching your goal Cayla. I wish you all the best.
Tammy McDevitt
April 29, 2021
Supporting you as Whitney Hazards bestfriend. Sending you all the love & light
Maggie LaRoche
April 29, 2021
Best of luck!
Jacob Swenson
April 29, 2021
Cayla is an inspiration and a true representation of what it takes to overcome what most of us consider to be obstacles to success. She is, most definitely, one of the people I think of when things in life get 'difficult'. I have know Maureen for nearly 45 years and the person Cayla has become is a true reflection of her, her family and the many people that support her in achieving her MANY life goals.
Philip Rodriguez
April 29, 2021
Keep going Cayla! You’re amazing
Krysta Lubold
April 29, 2021
Peace
Brenda Morrison
April 28, 2021
Cayla we love you. Uncle Mark, Auntie Miche, Olivia and Sophie
Mark Lemire
April 28, 2021
Remembering our times back at the old Wing School. As it turns out a bright, caring young girl morphed into one spectacular young woman. Few have faced the challenges you have. I am proud that you are pursuing studies at BU. Keep up the good fight Mr. D.
Richard DeVellis
April 28, 2021
Good luck, Cayla!
Laurie Ray
April 28, 2021
❤️
Nick Lemire
April 28, 2021
Best of luck Cayla!!
James Dever
April 28, 2021
Good luck Cayla. You deserve it.
Evan Lehrer
April 23, 2021
Happy Birthday Cayla!
Constance Felker
April 15, 2021
You are an amazing woman!!!
Noelle Studley
April 12, 2021
Love you Cayla!
Whitney Hazard
April 6, 2021
You’re such a warrior girlfriend!! Keep going!
Krysta Lubold
April 4, 2021
Wishing you continued strength in your fight. You are a force!!
Kathi Duffy
April 3, 2021
Good luck, Cayla. You are a remarkable young woman. You are making a difference and you are part of the solution. My best to you. Sarah
Sarah Anderson
April 3, 2021
Good luck Cayla! Love Brian, April, and Madison
April Sullivan
April 2, 2021
So happy to support Cayla!
Deborah Beck
April 2, 2021
You are amazing, Cayla!
Rachel Jenner
April 2, 2021
Sarah Marchant
April 2, 2021
Can't wait for you to get back out there working with the kids!
Erin Dowie
April 2, 2021
I love you Cayla and I hope you get the money you need!!!
Maddy Lemire
April 2, 2021
You’ve got this, Cayla!!
Christine Brown
April 1, 2021
You’re a special young woman, we are honored to be a part of your life. We hope you reach your goal ! Love Tom & Cindy
Thomas Sullivan
April 1, 2021
Cayla, you are amazing and have an incredible spirit. Love ya!
Linda & Ted Studley
April 1, 2021
Go Cayla
Bryan Bolton
April 1, 2021
Go Cayla !!
Inga Berger
April 1, 2021
Woohoooo! <3
Madeleine Drake
April 1, 2021
Great to hear that you’re doing well!!
Lauren O’Connor
April 1, 2021
Always cheering for you, Cayla! You’re incredible. Xo
Ashley Bendiks
April 1, 2021
Can’t wait for all families who will benefit from your SW skills! Much love xoxo
Brittany Denecke
