Jeannie Felton

Some of you know Jeannie Felton from church, from her involvement with the National MS Society, from Tantasqua where her children went to school, or from her visits to Gordon College where her daughter Melody was enrolled. You may be a neighbor or friend or may have seen her in her wheelchair in the grocery store or other places in town. No matter where you may know her from, there is one thing you all know. Jeannie always wears a smile and carries with her a determination to continue to live life to the fullest extent possible. She is a loving and giving woman, always wanting to help others. Jeannie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001. Because she has a type of MS that is chronic and progressive, her symptoms have worsened over the years. Jeannie struggles daily with severe fatigue, spasticity, weakness, pain, tremors, and muscle spasms. One of the ways she manages these disabling symptoms is by using her power wheelchair. Jeannie’s chair not only provides her freedom to go from place to place independently using a minimal amount of energy, it also supports her wobbly torso, tilts back so her muscles can relax and spasms stop and to control pain. It also provides support for her head and neck. Twenty years ago with the help of family, friends, and community, Jeannie was able to purchase her first modified van so she could transport her power chair. Having the van made a world of difference in Jeannie’s life. After many miles of journeying in that first van, Jeannie got her second which she hoped would be the last one she would need. We can plan but don’t always get to choose what works best for us. On October 30, 2024 a large deer jumped in front of the Toyota Sienna Converted Van Jeannie was driving. The deer was able to get up and run, but the van was a total loss. Jeannie was alone and unhurt, and thankful that her grandkids were not in the vehicle! Many times it is difficult for friends and family to know how to assist a loved one who suffers from a chronic illness. Taking part in the fundraising efforts designed to ease the mobility challenges created by MS is an opportunity to help Jeannie and her family combat the disease. A new fundraising campaign has been established in Jeannie’s honor through the Catastrophic Injury Program of the Help Hope Live to assist her in purchasing a new van. Help Hope Live provides fiscal accountability and donations are tax- deductible to the full extent of the law. Wheelchair vans are much more expensive than a regular vehicle purchase. To share this page with others in your community who might wish to learn about this campaign, see the sharing options on this page. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800-642-8399.Thanks for your support! The committee for Jeannie Felton: Roger and Jeannie Felton and Melody (Felton) Paine and David Paine. You can reach the Feltons by calling 1 (413) 245-1238 or emailing: rojejome @aol.com, Melody’s cell: 1 (413) 214-5209, David’s cell: 1 (508) 494-1519