Michael and Donivan Hicks
“We are a family that rarely asks for help, but our backs are against the wall…”
Michael and Donivan Hicks, father and son, face unique medical challenges that have led to the need for an accessible van that can accommodate both their wheelchairs.
Married for 43 years, Michael and his wife, Angie, care for Donivan, who is 41 years old and relies on a trach and feeding tube.
“He is non-verbal and unable to do anything on his own, but he is still one of the happiest people I know.”
Life got more complicated when Michael was unexpectedly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 26.
As the caregiver for both her husband and her son, Angie worries about the risks she takes on when transferring Donivan and Michael into a non-accessible vehicle.
“The possibility of me injuring myself or them is a real fear. Who will care for them if that happens?”
That’s why they turned to Help Hope Live to fundraise for an accessible van that can fit both wheelchairs – a cost insurance doesn’t cover that can exceed $64,000 out-of-pocket.
Their community raised $2,500 in the first month of fundraising and is now close to $4,000 raised towards their fundraising goal.
“A wheelchair van will give them the quality of care they deserve and the quality of life they need. It will be priceless for all of us.”
