Hi, my name is Scott. I’m 36 years old, a disabled gamer, a Star Wars fan, and a guy who loves little adventures—especially when my furbaby, Karma, is along for the ride.
Whether it’s cruising down the road listening to music, hanging out with friends, or enjoying a simple cookout and a good comedy, I try to live life fully. I was born with spina bifida and have been disabled my entire life, but I’ve never let that stop me from loving every second of it. Most people forget I’m in a wheelchair because I don’t let it define who I am.
For nearly six years, I worked at my local thrift store—a job I truly loved. I hope to return to work someday once my doctor gives the okay. Independence has always been important to me, and that’s why I’m asking for help now.
As my condition has progressed, it has become increasingly difficult—and unsafe—for me to get in and out of a standard vehicle. Right now, every time I leave the house, I have to rely on others to load me and my wheelchair. Even getting to doctor’s appointments means finding someone who can help me, or depending on staff once I arrive. Simple things most people don’t think twice about have become complicated and stressful.
Sometimes I joke that I wish I could just leave my wheelchair at home—or that someone could be my Luke Skywalker and carry me around like Yoda—but crawling on pavement isn’t an option… and I’m short, but not that short. Humor helps, but the reality is hard.
A wheelchair-accessible vehicle with hand controls would change my life. It would allow me to:
Get to medical appointments safely
Spend time with friends without feeling like a burden
Take spontaneous drives with my dog without fear or stress
Regain independence and potentially return to work
Unfortunately, accessible vehicles are incredibly expensive. A used wheelchair-accessible van with hand controls costs anywhere from $30,000 to $90,000. Because of strict income and savings limits tied to the medical benefits I rely on—including essential daily supplies—I simply cannot afford one. The down payment alone exceeds what I’m allowed to keep in my bank account, and monthly payments of around $600 are completely out of reach.
I’m not asking for luxury. I’m asking for freedom.
Freedom to go to the grocery store without coordinating help.
Freedom to get in my vehicle safely.
Freedom to live my life with dignity and independence.
If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every dollar truly makes a difference. If you’re not able to donate, sharing my story would mean just as much and helps more than you know.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for helping me take one step closer to independence.
May the Force be with you—and thank you for being part of mine. 💙🐾
Family and friends of Scott Hughes are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Scott 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!
