Katherine has lived with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) for over 40 years. She began using a scooter in her late 20’s, then transitioned to a power wheelchair a few years later and required a wheelchair accessible vehicle for transportation. She has gradually lost functionality over the years and started needing home care in her very early 30’s. With Primary Progressive MS, once you lose functionality you do not get it back.
Katherine is a fun loving woman who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Musicology (the history of Music). While she was never able to work as a teacher, Katherine is an accomplished choral conductor and music composer. For many years she enjoyed conducting a women’s choir and a children’s choir. She was very active in the women’s community organizing events and working at the Michigan Women’s Music Festival for many years. She was also active in the disability community. She loved singing, playing piano, teaching voice lessons, quilting & sewing, gardening, decorating for holidays and baking. While she can no longer do those things (which she misses terribly), she still enjoys family & friends, reading, doing Sudoku puzzles, watching a good show or movie, and going out to dinner and into the community when she is feeling up to it. She also adores her two cats, Boo-Boo & Sophie!
People with PPMS experience a steady decline in neurological function with no relapses or remissions. Katherine has lost much physical function over the years as well as decreased energy levels. She needs assistance with personal care (dressing, bathing, grooming, incontinence, range of motion exercises, transferring, mobility) as well as activities of daily living (meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, attending appointments and activities outside the home). Katherine also struggles with walking, blurry vision, unrelenting chronic pain, sore muscles and muscle spasms.
Katherine is fundraising for a medically necessary wheelchair accessible vehicle due to having suddenly lost her wheelchair accessible minivan in a flash flood in July 2024. These vehicles have skyrocketed in price to $100,000.00+ (including tax, title, license, warranties & insurance costs) since the COVID pandemic.
With a power wheelchair adapted vehicle, Katherine will be able to get to her doctor, therapy and haircut appointments; go out to eat; visit friends and family; see a movie, play or concert; and go out shopping.
Please donate to Help Hope Live in Katherine’s honor today and ask your friends and family to give too! Thank you so much for your generous support!
Family and friends of Katherine Younger are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. Katherine has 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.
