Brenda Yuhaze

Help Brenda continue living life to the fullest. At 40 years old, Brenda brings passion and dedication to her work as a special education teacher. After a challenging four-year journey through multiple doctors and misdiagnoses, she received her ALS diagnosis in 2021. While she’s fortunate to have a slow-progressing form of the disease, ALS is gradually affecting her mobility.

Despite this challenge, Brenda’s zest for life remains unchanged. She continues to immerse herself in her love of reading, eagerly discussing books with friends across all genres. Travel and adventure have always been central to her life, and she treasures sharing these experiences with family and friends.

ALS has created mobility challenges that impact Brenda’s daily life. While she was able to obtain a power wheelchair this year that allows her to continue working in the classroom she loves, she faces a significant obstacle: she cannot transport the wheelchair in her current vehicle. Walking long distances has become difficult, even with her rollator, which limits her ability to conserve energy for the activities and people she cherishes most.

Brenda is raising funds for a wheelchair-accessible van that will transform her independence. This vehicle will allow her to transport her power wheelchair to doctor appointments, social outings, vacations, and anywhere life takes her. Beyond basic wheelchair accessibility, the van requires additional modifications including hand controls and power seats, bringing the total cost to $85,000.

This van represents far more than transportation—it’s about preserving Brenda’s ability to live fully. With improved accessibility, she hopes to work longer in the teaching career she’s passionate about while conserving energy for the relationships and experiences that bring her joy. The van will restore her freedom to engage with the world around her, maintaining the active, connected lifestyle that defines who she is.

Please consider donating to Help, Hope, Live in Brenda’s honor and encourage your friends and family to join in supporting her journey. We’re also planning fundraising events and would welcome your help in organizing them. For questions about fundraising opportunities, please contact Brenda at [email protected].

Thank you for your generous support in helping Brenda continue to live, work, and adventure with the independence she deserves.