My name is Mike Brown, an avid professional cyclist. In 2009, while outdoors training for an upcoming race, I was struck by a car. The accident left me a paraplegic. For physical therapy I went to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a rehabilitation program with state-of the-art medical care. One day while exercising, I felt an odd shock shoot up my arm. Now I am a quadriplegic.
While tragic, I don’t want to be held back because of my injuries. I have channeled my need for physical activity into wheelchair rugby, winning trophies, I might add and I also work part-time from home. Maintaining independence has been key to my daily mental and physical well-being, striving to be the best I can be. With that in mind, my goal now is to purchase a conversion van, or modified vehicle that I can drive myself.
My wife, Dale has been my caregiver 24/7 since my injury. In order to go anywhere outside our home, she has to go with me to assist with each transfer from my chair into the car and then back into my chair. She has to lift the wheelchair into and out of the vehicle. Without her help, I am house bound. It has taken a toll on both of us.
I want to be a better person for both me and for my wife, to give us both some freedom – freedom to leave my home on my own to do errands, go to the store, exercise, visit friends, and go to the many doctor visits. It will relieve some of Dale’s stress while giving her much needed breaks and the serenity she so deserves.
With that in mind, I have located a 2008 Toyota Sienna that will cost close to $30,000. Though I have Medicare, it will not cover the cost. I cannot face this financial challenge on my own so that is why I’m turning to you for your help.
To help with the financial burden of my uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in my 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 Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please, consider a contribution.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. With your help, I have hope for a more independent future for both me and my wife. I deeply appreciate any support you can give.
Mike Brown
404-372-6367
brown1588@live.com
