I was born with Scoliosis and a tethered spinal cord. By the age of 5, I had five major spinal cord surgeries. Before my fifth surgery, the doctors told my parents there was a chance I would not be able to walk. During the surgery something happened. After that I was not able to walk which caused me to spend the last 15 years in a wheelchair.
I have learned to become very independent over these last 18 years.
In July of 2018, I was able to purchase my first car with the handicap equipment I needed, such as a seat that can help me transfer from my wheelchair to the driver’s seat, hand controls, and a ramp. However, after a few months it developed mechanical issues. I am a full-time student and will be working specifically with the mental health field. It is very important for me to have a reliable car that can get me back and forth from the places I need to go. There have been several occasions where I have been stuck inside my car or outside of it. The ramp gets stuck where it will not go down or go up. The computer system that controls my ramp has already needed to be replaced. I have also had a lot of issues with the car in general. In the last few years that I’ve had it, my family has had to put in a new water pump, radiator, and several fuses. I have had to go without it several times because it needed to go into the shop. This is when I start to feel a little bad because I have always relied on others to get me around. I do not like to rely on others because I have a way to get around it just isn’t reliable. It would be great if I could afford a vehicle that would be reliable for me to get from point A to point B.
As of October 2023, I was involved in an accident that has taken the ability for me to have my independence. I have lowered my goal for this campaign to $50,000 in hopes of getting money to get a down payment to go along with any money I may receive from insurance settlements but as of right now we are unsure how long that may be, or to buy a new van out right.
Thank you for reading my story and possibly helping with my dreams of having a reliable car. Have a blessed day!
Family and friends of Nicole Smith are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Nicole 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!
