Stephanie Wineland

At just 32 years old, I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), a progressive neurological condition that has slowly and steadily affected my mobility and taken away my independence. Now, at 46, I have lost significant function in both my legs, left arm, and left hand.

If you know me, you know I’ve always believed in finding a way to adapt, overcome, and keep moving forward, but honestly, it can be exhausting to barely overcome one challenge only to be faced with another. Just this past year alone, we’ve made our bathroom wheelchair accessible, modified my van for a scooter lift (which I can no longer use), installed a wheelchair lift in our garage, added a ramp to our front door, and hired home care to help with my basic personal needs. 

While I can no longer work, Casey continues to work full time with Faith Technologies. Additionally he’s bartending private events, and we are renting part of our basement to generate additional income. Still, it’s not been enough. We’ve researched grants, reached out to multiple MS organizations and assistance programs, and exhausted every resource we could find. Despite all of our efforts, my needs are developing faster than our finances can keep up.  

I’m incredibly grateful that a new complex power wheelchair is on the way because my current chair is no longer able to safely support me. But receiving the chair has also revealed the next hurdles: approximately $2,800 in out-of-pocket costs for the wheelchair, about $1,700 to create a new and wider bedroom doorway and our largest financial hurdle, a wheelchair-accessible van.

Between what we still owe on my current van and purchasing a reliable used wheelchair-accessible van, we’re facing an estimated cost of around $20,000.

Having a wheelchair van isn’t about convenience. It’s about safely getting to medical appointments, staying connected with family and friends, and simply being able to leave home without every outing becoming a physical risk for me, Casey, or anyone helping me.

Our fundraising goal is $25,000, which will help cover the wheelchair costs, a wheelchair-accessible van, home accessibility modifications, adaptive equipment, caregiving support, and other approved medical expenses. These adaptations will help me maintain as much independence as possible while reducing the physical and emotional strain on me, Casey, our caregivers, family, and friends.

If you’re able to help, donations made through Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and will be used exclusively for approved medical and related expenses associated with my care.

Even the smallest donation makes a difference. If there’s one thing Casey and I have learned through this journey, it’s that none of us gets through life alone. We are incredibly grateful for every person who chooses to be part of our village.

Thank you for helping me continue overcoming, adapting, and living a life focused on independence, connection, and everything still possible.