#wheelsforchristine

Dear Friends, Family, Friends of Family, Friends of Friends and Heroic Strangers,

It’s been some time since I’ve had the need to reach out to ask for help, a position that makes me somewhat uncomfortable. I much prefer doing for other people. However, I can no longer count on my wheelchair accessible vehicle nor can I finance a new one on my own. I’m hoping you can make the difference.

For those who may not know me, please allow me a moment of your time to give you some background. On August 4th, 2007, I was the victim of a horrible crime that changed me forever. I was attacked by a stalker I knew as an acquaintance who plotted to abduct me from my home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He talked his way into my home then put a gun to my head. When I fled for my life he opened fire and one of the bullets obliterated my 12th thoracic vertebrae which paralyzed me from the waist down. I landed in the driveway and then he ran me over and turned his tire on my abdomen and arm causing additional injuries. He fled the scene but came back minutes later, picked up the bullet casings, put them in his pocket, then dragged me across my driveway and left me to die behind the hedges. I prayed for my life while waiting to be rescued. I survived by a miracle and the grace of God, whom I firmly believe has a plan for me.

Allan Sinclair IV did not break my spirit. Though I spent over six months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, The Spinal Cord Injury Support Group offered encouragement to help me adjust, problem solve, and set goals. I became involved with various social activities within the group and took up the sport of handcycling. I’ve completed 13 full Marathons! More than that, I resolved to find meaning in my life by being there for people who need a helping hand. Often, I could be found driving those with greater physical disabilities than mine to medical appointments and delivering donated wheelchairs and equipment to those that do not have insurance coverage. I spent 4 years running the church Flea Market while delivering food to people shut in. I got a kick out of hosting foreign exchange students and cooking dinners for them typically eaten in the States for that full “American experience”. Today, I hope I am an inspiration to others by sharing my story and experiences through motivational speaking engagements.

Having a modified vehicle has been my lifeline, allowing me the freedom, flexibility and reliability to be there for people counting on me. Unfortunately, it’s no longer safe to drive my old 2004 Conversion Van. It’s broken down many times and I find it scary and dangerous with my medical condition, especially in the scorching Florida heat without reliable air conditioning. The ramp malfunctions, the interior is moldy and smells of burning oil. You get the idea. A new van can cost around $65,000 of which 1/3 has already been raised!

This is where I need your help. A fundraising campaign has been established in my honor with Help Hope Live to help with the financial burden of uninsured spinal cord injury-related expenses. Help Hope Live is a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the Southeast Catastrophic Injury Fund. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please help me reach my goal. Consider making a tax deductible contribution today.

For credit card donations, please click the Give button.

Please keep an eye on the website because I will be updating the amount raised to date and posting news on upcoming fundraising events. With sincere gratitude, I thank you kindly for your consideration.

Christine Kent (christinekent@comcast.net)