MobilityWorks
Accessibility for all: Helping people connect with who and what matters most
Searching...
No results found. Please try modifying your search.
Our dear sister, Gigi, has managed with primary progressive MS since her early 20s—adjusting to life in a wheelchair and to steadily declining abilities while still working, telling stories, and making everyone laugh. Over time, Gigi has needed in-home health care a little bit more each year. On Easter weekend she had emergency surgery and currently needs 24/7 care to do the most basic things. She has nurses and therapists assisting her on a regular basis. Her doctors expect her to recover but it will take time and a whole lot of medical help.
Thankfully, Gigi has health insurance, but many of her medical needs are not covered and she has significant out-of-pocket expenses. The fees for home health care alone are prohibitively expensive. Gigi also needs specialized equipment, including a new bed and shower wheelchair. These costs are too high for Gigi to handle alone.
To help with the financial burden of Gigi’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northeast Catastrophic Illness Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only. Please consider a making a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW button.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
With gratitude,
Nancy Carlston and Louise Thompson, Gigi’s sisters
415-389-8816
nancycarlston@gmail.com
Everyone is getting in on the fun! The Sure Hands Lift is a true game changer to Gigi's safety and comfort. Thank you to all you generous friends and family!
Lift system is being installed today! Woo Hoo! Pictures forthcoming. Thank you to all the love and support1
We are just installing a specialized lift with ceiling track so that Gigi can move from bed to bathroom to wheelchair. The forklift was just too cumbersome!
Thank you all for helping us give Gigi mobility!!
April, 2016
Gigi is now at fighting weight and is working on returning part time to her job at the Department of Conservation and Recreation. She is currently helping to organize their annual Universal Access Fair.
We are just installing a specialized lift with ceiling track so that Gigi can move from bed to bathroom to wheelchair. The forklift was just too cumbersome!
Thank you all for helping us give Gigi mobility!!
Gigi has gained weight! Up from the mid-90's to over 105 lbs!
Geeeeeeeg,
Can't wait to hear you say, "Horray Hurrah" when we ask, "Is everybody happy??"
Love, xoxoxox
Weeeeeeeez
xoxoxoxox love terri
terri
Dear Gigi,
We send our love, prayers and embrace to you! So happy to hear of your amazing tenacity and abundant positive attitude.
Kelly, Kelly, Johnny, Summer and Wyatt from SGCP Church
Hi Gigi
Thinking of you. It sounds like with all you are going through you are still smiling....that is just amazing. would love to connect....maybe FB message me if you want to connect too.....Happy New Year! Terri Sieber (2025 Comm Ave)
Terri Sieber Moldovan
Hi Gigi - Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!!! Best wishes for continued healing and improvement!! It is great to see you have so much love and support!
Marcy Marchello
Eat, and keep breathing. .. Merry Christmas. .
ed. huff
I asked Nancy what she wanted for Christmas and she said "a banana rack." I'm like, a banana rack? That's it? She says yeah, a banana rack. So I'm spending my money on you instead. Merry Christmas to all the Ranno women!
Erin
Hi Gigi, Thinking about you lots and lots. Hoping we can get together during the holidays. Love you!! xoxoxoxo Terri
Terri
Dear Gigi. Here's a joke:
Where do generals keep their armies?
In their sleeves.
Get it???
Love Alexa xoxoxoxo
Alexa
Angry Pigs RULE!!! And, any day now, I might just fit into my Minion t-shirt, if I grow a few more inches. Love you lots. xoxox
Alexa
We're thinking of you here in Colorado!
Much love to you and your family -
Jane & Rory
"Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch" ….. that would be you, Gigi. xoxox
Terri
Geeeeeeg, can't wait to hear a "Horray Hurrah" when we ask, "Is everybody happy?"
Love,
xoxxo
Weeeeeeeeeez
Gigi, my cousin, you are so awesome that we need to find a new word for awesome. Sending tons of love.
Terri
Who loves Gigi? We do we do.
Love, Goddaughter Alexa, Midnight Moon, and Destroya
Hey Gigi,
We are thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery. We miss you and look forward to catching up soon!
Kathy, Lianne & Lexi
Hi Gigi ~
We know all about needing home care assistance and medical equipment so we are very happy to help! Prayers for a full recovery. Stay strong! God Bless you!
Bob & Betty Marsh, Norwood, MA
Dear Gigi,
I am thinking about you and am inspired by your spirit --via Nancy. Keep getting stronger.
Kris Lewis
Dear Gigi,
I am praying for you to make a full recovery and leave those really long voicemails on my phone, as only you do. Don't let Louise be the boss of you! Don't tell her I said that. You are surrounded by love and it will heal you. Remember in God all things are possible. Ranno sister's are the best-est!
L. Princess Taylor
Gigi and Karen,
Thank you for good memories of hanging out at your house with Aunt Nancy in Boston. Gigi, you were the first person to introduce me to "the kong" and give me tips on all the trouble I could get into in Harvard square ;) Karen, I really appreciated your career advice as I was wrapping up my PhD and figuring out next steps. Sending love and good wishes to you both!
Colleen
Dear Gigi and Karen,
Thank you for carrying your cross with the power of love ... and laughter. Thank you for loving God, loving each other, and loving those privileged enough to know you. In the Love of Jesus and Mary ...
Lu and Ed Stubbing
GiGi-so sorry to hear of your surgery and challenges you face. Stay strong! I know you'll get through this difficult time with your family and friends by you :). Sending you lots of love!
Rosie Catalano
Geeeeeeeeeg! Keep getting stronger and better each day! You are our inspiration! We love you lots!
Weeeeeez
Gigi, I had no idea that you had emergency surgery and am very sorry that you are going through an extra difficult time. Sending hugs, love & wishes for a very speedy & successful recovery. Pat & Scott
Pat Brazill
Thinking of you, Gigi, and sending lots of love. Love that photo!
Carisa and Erin
Gigi,
What an incredible smile and expression of triumph in your photo! Keep that spirit and smile in your heart always.
Doug and Kathy
Gigi - you are in our prayers - Sending love and healing your way!
Kelly, Kelly, Johnny, Summer and Wyatt
Gigi, we are thinking of you and hope you feel much better soon.
Krissy and Don
Sending lots of "get well soon" love from Colorado!!
Mary
I love you, Gigi!
Nancy
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Gigi Ranno
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
Subscribe to this campaign to receive updates.
Accessibility for all: Helping people connect with who and what matters most
Building leading-edge mobility products
One of the largest mobility dealers in the U.S.
Consult with specially-trained pharmacists, get your medications for pickup or delivery and more
All news, and all that matters to you
Your first step to optimized communications
The event for the disability community
Born to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.
A mobility dealer for wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment