Michael and Donivan are my husband and son. We have been married 43 yrs and counting. Donivan is our second child and was born with part of his 18th chromosome missing. He is now 41 years old, has a trach, a feeding tube, non verbal, and 100% dependent on me for all of his needs. He is unable to do anything on his own, but is still one of the happiest people I know!
Michael was around 26 years old, shortly after Donivan was born, when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Fast forward 37 years he is now wheelchair bound. He can no longer transfer into our car without falling. Donivan is about 75lbs and I have to lift him into our car. I am 60 years old and the caregiver for my 2 men and I’m getting older by the minute. The possibility of me injuring myself or them while I’m trying to transfer them is a real fear. Who will care for them if that happens? We desperately need a wheelchair van that holds 2 wheelchairs. The one found that will fit our needs costs $64,000. It’s a little overwhelming to even think about.
The accessible van will help us in so many ways. Michael has fallen many times trying to transfer him from wheelchair to car. I would have to resort to grabbing someone nearby to help him off the ground and back into the car. With this wheelchair van, I would never have to worry about them or me getting injured just getting into the car. Michael recently was treated for a huge blood clot in both his lungs and was put on blood thinners, his falling could put him in serious danger. Michael and Donivan are both homebound and it breaks my heart because we used to do everything together. But with the wheelchair van we could go to the doctor, visit friends, go out for our anniversary, worship together etc… all the normal things people do as a family. Donivan’s favorite thing is to go for a drive! We used to travel all over the United States. A wheelchair van will make it possible again to take a drive together. I can just imagine him grinning from ear to ear!
A wheelchair van is essential in giving them the quality of care they deserve. It would also add joy and the quality of life they need, which would be priceless for all of us!
We are a family that rarely asks for help. But our backs are against the wall on this one. So if your heart moves you to help us, please donate to Help Hope Live in Michael and Donivan’s honor. Please share our story with your family, friends, co-workers or businesses that would like to help.
Family and friends of Michael and Donivan Hicks are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Michael and Donivan 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!
