Laura was lively, a soccer athlete, attending college, working, volunteering, when she was struck with an unknown illness in August 1991. After 10 months of hospitalization Laura was left with no diagnosis and no prognosis and her condition “demyelination of unknown etiology” as a severe demyelination of the central nervous system disorder. Laura’s age at time of illness left her unable to qualify for services in the State of Nebraska. She fell in the crack of services because of her age (22) at time of her illness and for over 28 years Laura’s parents have been her sole caregivers, father (80) and mother (78) years old. After all these years her condition is decreasing both mentally and physically and she was finally diagnosed with a TBI (traumatic brain injury).
Laura uses a walker inside the house but a wheelchair everywhere else. In the past two years, Laura, my sister, is now receiving limited state services and a little relief from a state program that provides care companions during the day. Our aging parents , even though they are in pretty good shape, are extremely limited, transporting Laura anywhere because they can’t lift her wheelchair in and out of the trunk of their car, so Laura stays home and they take turns running errands. This May (2021) a used wheelchair accessible van became available and never having one before it is pretty exciting having the ability to take Laura places including church. The struggle is paying for the van and with trading in their car the van is still $17K.
All three live on Medicare/Medicaid. After all the years of never asking for help, your donations now to Help Hope Live will help provide for Laura’s mobility and relieve her caregiving parents of the burden of this financial expense. Laura getting out and getting around will provide an incredible feeling of freedom and mobility.
There are additional expenses, medical equipment, physical therapy, co-pays, but a van is urgently needed and your help will go a long way with getting Laura to appointments and including her in outings. Please consider a donation.
We are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Laura Larsen to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
We have 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. And please share Laura’s page on your social media so others may consider a donation.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
