Josie's Journey: Help Fund an Adaptive Vehicle

My name is Josie, I am 8 years old and was born with congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) which caused me to have brain damage, Cerebral Palsy, inability to walk and I am deaf.Despite my disabilities, I am a very happy child with a contagious laugh and smile being raised by my loving grandparents. I am able to communicate with a special device (AAC). I enjoy books, music and riding my adaptive bike. I also love going to parks, gardens and zoos which is getting much more difficult as I continue to grow.I am raising funds for an adaptive vehicle which costs over $85,000 and insurance does not cover any of it.It is extremely difficult to be lifted from my wheelchair into an adaptive car seat, lose access to my communication device, then have to lift my heavy wheelchair into the back of the vehicle. Once we arrive at our destination, all the heavy lifting has to be done again. As I grow it becomes much more difficult and unsafe to make these transfers.With an adaptive vehicle it would have a ramp so I can be wheeled directly into the vehicle while remaining in my wheelchair with my communication device still attached. I will also be able to continue to visit many places, visit family, and go to my many appointments.I’ve chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.