Emily Progin, Content Manager
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MOM & SPECIAL NEEDS DAUGHTER WEATHER THE STORMS, SEEK HELP
Fundraising Campaign to Help Family Fund Life-Saving Wheelchair Van
HOUSTON, Texas—A Houston mom has literally weathered the storm year after year as she faces the dangers of hurricane season while caring for a medically fragile child. Today, their family is fundraising with the nonprofit Help Hope Live for a critical safety need: a wheelchair van.
“I am her voice. I am her legs.” That’s how Olivia Esparza, the mother of 24-year-old Diana Santana, explains her role in her daughter’s life. Living with a rare neurological disorder and unable to walk or talk, Diana requires 24/7 care and has experienced escalating medical challenges over the years.
Diana was born a healthy baby in 2000, but over time, she did not meet any developmental milestones. She was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Diana never gained the ability to sit, stand, walk, or talk, and she continues to experience frequent seizures, tremors, hospitalizations, and surgeries.
“I have cared for her all her life,” explains mom Olivia. “My mission is to educate people about this disease, which has no cure. I pray one day I get to hear my daughter’s voice.”
In addition to medical challenges, Olivia and Diana have endured threats to their safety during strong hurricane seasons. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey led to an emergency evacuation and relocation as four feet of water poured into their home.
Today, the risks are even greater: “Diana is now on a ventilator,” explains Olivia, “and paramedics will not evacuate her if the winds are over 40 miles an hour.”
That fact means hurricane seasons are a major threat to Diana’s life and safety.
It’s also why Olivia turned to the national nonprofit Help Hope Live to start a fundraising campaign. A wheelchair van will allow Diana and Olivia to evacuate safely. It will also allow for safe daily transportation and reliable access to care, medical appointments, and community events for Diana.
Insurance doesn’t help with the cost of a wheelchair van, leaving Olivia with a $50,000 out-of-pocket burden. “I have never given up,” explained Olivia. “I know that God’s going to send me on the path I need to be on.”
Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24093/
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $181 million to pay patient expenses. ###
