Outpouring of Help and Hope for 3-Year-Old Who Needs Wheelchair Van

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

Release: Immediate

OUTPOURING OF HELP AND HOPE FOR 3-YEAR-OLD WHO NEEDS WHEELCHAIR VAN

Insurance Has Denied the Cost of a Much-Needed Van for Mia Suarez

PALMDALE, Ca.—The family of Mia Suarez, a Palmdale three-year-old living with multiple disabilities, is receiving help and hope from their community as they strive to bring a wheelchair accessible van within reach. Insurance has refused to help with the $50,000 cost. They’ve turned to the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live to bring a van within reach.

Mia Suarez is an identical twin who experienced hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy just after birth. As a result, she cannot breathe, eat, swallow, or walk without assistance. “The doctors didn’t expect her to live long,” explained Mia’s mom, Ambere. “She proved everyone wrong.”

As Mia grows, she will rapidly become too big for Ambere to transfer her in and out of her vehicle. Mia’s wheelchair is already so challenging to maneuver that Ambere says she regularly has to ask strangers to help her lift it into her SUV. Despite the medical necessity of transporting Mia to appointments and more, insurance has refused to help with the cost of an accessible van.

That’s why Ambere has turned to the national medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live. She’s set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 to bring an accessible van within reach to improve and protect Mia’s wellbeing. The online donation page can be found at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20001/

Help Hope Live works differently than crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe. Mia’s need is medically verified, donations are tax deductible, and funds raised won’t jeopardize the three-year-old’s eligibility for benefits and medical coverage. Funds raised are administered by the nonprofit, and they can only be used to cover verified medical and related expenses.

“We are asking for the community’s help to get Mia what she needs,” explained Ambere. “Thank you to everyone who donates: we truly appreciate you!!”

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 $165 million to pay patient expenses. ###