Aniyah Wade

My name is Aniyah Wade, and I am 5 years old. Just 6 months after I was born, doctors diagnosed me with a multitude of complex medical conditions, including Cerebral Palsy, Holoprosencephaly, moderate malnutrition, g-tube dependency, poor weight gain, bilateral hip dysplasia, strabismus, global developmental delay, and seizures. Being diagnosed with all these challenges at such a young age has significantly impacted my development in many areas.Due to my Cerebral Palsy, I am unable to walk, communicate, or eat independently. This condition affects my ability to move and maintain balance and posture, so I require constant assistance from my mom, teachers, and various therapists for mobility, play, self-care, and eating. My speech is very limited, but I am learning to communicate using an eye-gaze device. At 5 years old, I can now ask for specific caregivers, request things I want, and even say “I love you.”I communicate primarily through hand gestures, my eye-gaze device, smiles, and laughter. Recently, I have started using a power wheelchair, which has been a game-changer for my independence and mobility. This power chair allows me to move around and participate in activities more freely, which brings me immense joy and a sense of normalcy.Unfortunately, my use of the power chair is currently limited to school and home environments, as transporting the device back and forth is a significant challenge. This restriction severely limits my ability to explore the world and engage with my family and friends in different settings.I am writing to request a wheelchair-accessible van, which would allow me to use my power chair more frequently and in a wider range of environments. Being able to ride around and keep up with my big brother at the zoo or while shopping with my mom would mean the world to me. It would greatly improve my quality of life and sense of independence.Despite the numerous challenges I face, I maintain an unwavering spirit and a deep zest for life. I love to smile and laugh, and I have a way of bringing joy to those around me. My teachers and caregivers are amazed by my resilience and determination, as I strive to do as much as I can independently, with the support of modifications and assistive devices.At school, I am encouraged to participate in activities to the best of my abilities, which helps me feel like a normal, thriving child. I ride around in my power chair, communicate with my eye-gaze device, and even enjoy playing with my friends during recess.Tragically, when I was only 11 months old, my father passed away, leaving my mother to care for me and my older brother as a single parent. This has added significant financial strain, as the resources required to support my complex medical needs and adaptive equipment exceed my mother’s financial capabilities.The lack of a wheelchair-accessible van has a profound impact on our family’s ability to transport me and my power chair, which is essential for my independence and well-being. Unlike a regular wheelchair, my power chair cannot be easily broken down and transported in a standard vehicle, requiring extensive modifications to any car we might use.This lack of suitable transportation severely limits my access to the medical and therapeutic services I require, as my mother must rely on call-a-ride services to get me to my various appointments and day programs. Obtaining a wheelchair-accessible van would transform my life, allowing me to participate more fully in family outings, social activities, and the broader community.I hope that through this heartfelt plea, you will understand the profound impact that a wheelchair-accessible van would have on my quality of life and the well-being of my family. Your consideration of this request would be greatly appreciated and would make an immeasurable difference in my ability to thrive and reach my full potential.Family and friends of Aniyah Wade are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.Aniyah has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.Thank you for your support!