Tina Zimmerman

Tina was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in July 2008. Over the last 18 years, she has gone from being able bodied to using a motorized wheelchair she can drive with her head because she has lost function of her arms and hands. She has lost most of her independence and needs help with eating, toileting, and other daily living skills. As the disease progresses, living in her house as it is is an untenable situation. The bathroom is small and not appropriately accessible for Tina’s needs. The doorways are too narrow to navigate the wheelchair through and the drop ceilings do not allow for a ceiling lift which is becoming necessary. In addition, the living space is multi level with no easy access to the living room or the backyard.  

While Tina navigates life with secondary progressive MS with unmatched grace, dignity, and resilience, her diagnosis is just a small part of her story. She is defined by her joy, her razor-sharp wit, and the bright light she brings to everyone around her. One of the greatest gifts she gives the rest of us is the perspective to be grateful. No matter the struggle, she gets up every single day to do her PT exercises, go out to lunch, enjoy her book clubs, and attend plays, recitals, and movies. She also channels her incredible energy into advocating for wheelchair accessibility at restaurants, nail salons, and hair salons- always choosing to bring positive energy into the world by highlighting and celebrating the businesses that get it right.

For over 30 years, she’s been a devoted wife and a proud mother to her children, Stefania and Alan. Professionally, she was a brilliant teacher and curriculum specialist—a sharp, witty mind who can make you laugh and cry in the same sentence with her effortless humor and deep sincerity. If you want to know the real Tina, just look for the bright pink, red, or purple hair, and a whole lot of glitter (her Instagram isn’t @sparkling_with_ms for nothing!).

Above all, Tina is surrounded by a phenomenal support system that helps keep her going, and her husband, Stephen, has truly been her absolute rock. Stephen does most of the heavy lifting around the house, and the deep, enduring love they share after three decades together is a beautiful thing to witness.

Tina’s family and friends are raising money to help her continue to live safely in her home with her family by making the necessary modifications. 

Help Tina to live in a truly accessible home with her loved ones!