Gloria Stephens

Family and friends of Gloria Stephens are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a catastrophic illness. Gloria 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.

I am independent and successful in many ways but I rely on SSDI as my primary income. Accessibility costs such as a wheelchair accessible vehicle are not manageable on a fixed disability income without community support.

Due to the progression of my condition and the strain caused by Arachnoditis my vehicle with hand controls and outside of the vehicle lift no longer works for my body. Thus leaving me homebound throughout the month.

The primary goal of this fundraiser is to raise money toward the down payment on a wheelchair accessible vehicle. A larger down payment will significantly reduce my monthly payment and help offset ongoing costs. I have set the overall fundraising goal  so that any additional funds can further lower the financed amount and improve long term affordability.

This vehicle is not a luxury. It is essential medical access. A wheelchair accessible vehicle would allow me to attend physical therapy and doctors appointments without exhausting myself before I even arrive. It would restore independence reduce physical strain and give me back the freedom to live fully rather than constantly recover.

If additional funds are available after securing the vehicle they may be used toward a titanium frame manual wheelchair. My current insurance provided aluminum chair has issues with casters bending and wheels falling off which creates safety risks and further limits my independence.

Any support whether through donating or sharing helps me move closer to safe consistent mobility and a life where my energy is spent living rather than recovering.