Our daughter Riley was born with Spina Bifida, a complication in the spinal column which caused hydrocephalus and a lack of sensation below her knees; and Turner’s Syndrome, a separate and unrelated complication which led to a heart defect at birth and short stature. After being born, Riley had three surgeries on her back, heart, and brain in her first month of life. Riley has been stable since, and we are grateful! However, as Riley has grown to be seven years old, her lack of sensation in her legs has continued. As a result she uses a manual wheelchair for her mobility, in addition to other medical equipment to aid with standing, walking, transferring, toileting, physical therapy, eyesight, etc.

Riley has been blessed with not only stability, but also a MAGNIFICENT, infectious, hopeful, and genuine personality. Riley has the sunniest outlook on life, and though she has walked a difficult path as a (now) seven-year-old, she is always looking forward with a glint of hope. She has expressed a desire to be a banker, a boss, a restaurateur, a hotel owner, and other things! She even hopes to live on a farm someday where she can care for animals. Riley loves playing with her dolls, watching shows, dancing to music in the living room, and being with her friends and family. She’s also involved in adaptive dance, baseball, and is taking swimming lessons! Riley is a hard worker, and yet is always present and ready to make a card for a friend who is sad. Riley is a joy to be around, and has the best belly laugh you’ve ever heard (with a witty sense of humor to go with it!).

Last year, we were blown away by the generosity of so many people as we were able to purchase a wheelchair accessible van, in addition to funding much of Riley’s medical care in the first part of the year. She also got a new wheelchair, and had a major bladder surgery in May that she is still recovering from. Your generosity allowed for us to do all of this, while also starting to save for our first home. This purchase of a home (and converting it to be ADA accessible) is our #1 goal for 2024, and the majority of the funds that are raised will be used to pay for those ADA modifications. Additional funds on top of that amount will be used for maintenance on our wheelchair accessible van, in addition to medical travel and appointments for the year.

Riley is the ministry we have been given by God to pour our lives into for the next fifteen years and beyond. Donating to Help Hope Live will allow us to invest as much as we possibly can to care for her and ensure she can thrive both now and in the future, while being free from the anxiety and stress that comes from such large expenses. Thank you so much for your partnership in this ministry of ours for our girl. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

Blessings,
Josh and Sarah

Family and friends of Riley Drury are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.

Riley 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!

*Note: The stated giving goal includes the amount that was raised last year ($25,860). This year we are seeking an additional $20,000 to fund the items mentioned above.

NOTE: NO FEES ON GIVING TUESDAY! Between midnight on Tuesday, November 28, and 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, Help Hope Live will cover the credit card fee for all donations made in honor of a Help Hope Live client at helphopelive.org.