My name is Marlene Medina and this August it has been 10 years since the accident that left me a quadriplegic with C4, C5 spinal cord injury. Before the accident I loved working as a dental assistant and waitress and enjoyed working with people. Despite my situation, I am determined to make my dreams come true. I am determined to purchase a modified van so that I can help others in need with transportation which is the most frustrating aspect of my current situation – not having some independence.
My past jobs taught me to have patience with others and I have applied my patience to my life since the accident. I have learned to be patient with my caregivers, doctors, nurses, family and especially with myself. Now that I am healthy and stable, I am eager to move on with the next chapter of my life.
I have been hoping for a promising new therapy to come along and in August 2014 I was blessed with the opportunity to receive stem cell therapy. Since receiving this treatment, I have gained more strength and hope for my future. I know that I am one of the lucky ones to have received this therapy, and I thank God. Those of you who are not as fortunate should not despair — take every opportunity that comes to you.
That next chapter includes more reliable transportation. With your help, I am determined to raise $60,000 for a wheelchair accessible van. This van will allow me a lot more freedom to accomplish my goals which include getting a job, becoming a motivational speaker to inspire others at churches, schools and prisons. I also plan to form a support group for other spinal cord injury victims in my area. Unfortunately a van is not something that insurance will pay for – so this is where I need your help.
To help offset such the expense of a van, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 35 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law, are held by Help Hope Live, are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Catastrophic Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only. If you would like to make a donation today, please click the GIVE tab.
As time moves forward, I would like to receive a supernatural blessing, a supernatural healing and a supernatural miracle, but until then, to make it short and simple, if I can’t stand up for now I will stand out with my voice. Now, at this point in my life, doors are opening and I am rolling through them.
God Bless and Stay Strong,
Marlene
I want to give special recognition to my family — my mother, father, daughter, three brothers and two grandchildren have been there for me throughout this journey. Without them I’m not sure I would be here today.
Finally, remember just because you have a disability does not mean your dreams are lost. You just may just have to find a different path to reach your goals.
