Zara Schrum

Help Create an Accessible Home and Future for Zara

We have purchased the property! Now we urgently need to complete the accessibility modifications before the first week of December 2026—and we still need a wheelchair-accessible van.

Zara is a 9-year-old girl with complex medical, neurological, developmental, and physical disabilities, including Caudal Regression Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism Level 3, seizures, significant mobility impairment, Deaf/Hard of Hearing needs, and dementia-like neurological presentations.

Earlier this year, Zara experienced a severe medical crisis and spent approximately one month on life support. She survived, but her mobility, neurological, and accessibility needs became even greater.

Zara now relies heavily on her wheelchair, braces, adaptive equipment, and caregiver assistance. She is also preparing for bilateral hip surgeries, followed later by surgeries on both feet, making a safe, accessible home and appropriate recovery space increasingly urgent.

A property purchased. An accessible home still to build.

Purchasing the property is an enormous milestone for our family. Now we must make it a home where Zara can safely reach her bedroom, use the bathroom, enter and leave, and participate in everyday family life.

The essential modifications need to be completed before the first week of December 2026. We need help with funding, suitable materials, and skilled services to move this work forward.

Our $100,000 fundraising goal through Help Hope Live will help meet eligible accessibility, medical, mobility, transportation, and recovery-related needs, including:

• Wheelchair-accessible living space.

• An accessible bathroom and bathing area.

• A safe bedroom and surgical recovery space.

• Wheelchair-friendly entrances, doorways, and pathways.

• A wheelchair-accessible van.

• Adaptive and medical equipment.

• Additional accessibility modifications as Zara grows.

Zara needs access beyond our front door, too.

A wheelchair-accessible van is essential for getting Zara to medical appointments, therapies, and community activities safely.

The PATF funding we had hoped to pursue is currently on hold. Taking on a huge monthly vehicle payment is not financially manageable for our family, where 75% of our family members have special needs. We are working toward accessible transportation without a payment that would put our family’s ability to meet everyday needs at risk.

The gaps in available support leave us facing needs that cannot wait.

Zara does not meet certain programs’ cognitive eligibility requirements despite her significant physical and medical disabilities. Other supports, including waiver services, can involve years-long waits.

Our family continues to pursue available programs, appeals, grants, and community resources. But Zara’s wheelchair needs exist now. Her surgeries are approaching. She needs a safe home and accessible transportation now.

There are many ways to help.

Please consider donating to Help Hope Live in Zara’s honor. Every contribution helps us move toward these essential needs.

We also welcome connections with:

• Contractors and skilled tradespeople who may be able to help complete the accessibility work.

• Building suppliers and businesses willing to contribute suitable materials or sponsor part of the project.

• Dealerships and mobility companies that could assist with a wheelchair-accessible van, meaningful discounts, or sponsorship.

• Employers, churches, schools, and community groups willing to host a fundraiser or share Zara’s campaign.

For materials, services, or partnership opportunities, please contact Holly Schrum at [email protected] so we can coordinate the project’s needs and any appropriate arrangements with Help Hope Live.

If you cannot donate, please share. An introduction to the right person or business could make a lasting difference.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Zara and helped our family reach this milestone. Many hands can help make the next step possible.

Please help us create a home—and a future—where Zara can move safely, recover comfortably, and participate more fully in life. ♿💜