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For some high-risk Arizonans, it’s a lonely struggle to avoid COVID-19

Kylie Thompson

Reporter Stephanie Innes interviewed our client Kylie Thompson for the Arizona Republic about her experiences living with quadriplegia and fundraising for critical mobility needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thompson in mid-May began an online campaign through the national non-profit Help Hope Live to purchase a modified, wheelchair-accessible van with hand controls so that she would be able to drive herself to and from work and other essential trips like medical appointments.

Kylie was already struggling to meet her transportation needs before the pandemic. The potential health risks are greater than ever – but so is the risk of isolation if people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses do not have a way to work around their transportation issues.

Thompson would be at high risk for having complications, including hospitalization and death, if she contracted SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Kylie’s campaign is at helphopelive.org.

“Not being able to have any kind of safe transportation is debilitating and scary. Transportation is a luxury that’s so easy to take for granted.”

Written by Emily Progin