Crystal Rader

I am a 39-year-old female who at the age of one was diagnosed with a severe physical disability, Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II (form of muscular dystrophy).

I spent most of my life in and out of medical facilities and nursing homes, always waiting and needing assistance from caregivers. When living in a nursing home there are so many limitations and no real independence or freedom. Not only am I confined to a wheelchair but while living in these medical facilities I was always confined to a room that I usually shared with someone much older than me. As a young woman I enjoyed conversations, music, exploring and peer interaction, that wasn’t an option, I felt isolated. Medical facilities usually don’t offer independent forms of transportation, so my interaction with peers was very limited. In 2019, I was finally able to move out of the medical facilities and move into an accessible apartment where caregivers come daily to care for my needs. My lack of independent movement has never limited my desire for freedom. Transportation was a struggle, until 2021 when I was able to purchase a 2001 wheelchair accessible van.

In the past I was unable to spend time with people outside the facilities I lived in. I have always been young at heart. I love spending time with people, listening to music and going to the local dog park with my dog maze and my caregivers. In the summer I really enjoy listening to live music at Windsor Lake in the evenings. This newfound freedom is more than I could ever hope for. With my independent transportation I am able to enjoy visiting with family and friends, going to church and out to eat. I even get to enjoy different concerts at different venues. Unfortunately, a vehicle that is over 20 years old comes with its share of maintenance and safety issues. My van is always in need of repair, and I am unable to pay for repairs due to my limited SSI income, which is also used for my rent, vehicle insurance, etc. I am fearful that I will once again be isolated and confined to four walls.

My wish is to find a safe, reliable form of transportation. The donations will help allow me to live my life as independently as possible. Depending on the amount raised I will either be able to purchase a wheelchair accessible van or put a large enough down payment that will decrease my monthly payments.

With the generosity of others, the donations to help hope live will allow me to continue living out my dream spending time with people I love and celebrating my freedom.

Family and friends of Crystal Rader are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.

Crystal 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!