Local Woman Who Needs Wheelchair Van Seeks Support on #GivingTuesday

Emily Progin, PR & Social Media Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

Release: November 27, 2018

LOCAL WOMAN WHO NEEDS WHEELCHAIR VAN SEEKS SUPPORT ON #GIVINGTUESDAY

November 27 is #GivingTuesday

Fresno, Calif.—On Tuesday, November 27, the country will come together to celebrate the single largest charitable giving day on Earth, #GivingTuesday. Among those celebrating this day of philanthropy and support is Sofia Carpenter, a Fresno woman with a shocking story who is fundraising for a wheelchair-accessible van.

When Sofia was five, a car accident killed her mother and her unborn baby brother and left her paralyzed from the mid-chest down. Adopted by a foster mother, Sofia continued to push forward despite the daily challenges presented by her paralysis. “My foster mom taught me to always believe I can be independent, achieve my dreams, and not let anything stop me,” Sofia said.

Now 30, Sofia has an associate’s degree in social work and her sights set on a big goal: to acquire a wheelchair-accessible van so she can experience mobility and independence. She is fundraising with the nonprofit Help Hope Live at helphopelive.org to help offset the high cost of an accessible vehicle, which is not covered by insurance. So far, she has raised almost $3000.

On #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, November 27, all digital donations made in honor of Sofia at helphopelive.org have more impact than ever: Help Hope Live is covering the 2.65% credit card cost all day. Donations can also be made via check or over the phone, or via Facebook Fundraiser. Not able to give? Call Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399 to learn how you can get involved by planning a fundraiser in honor of Sofia. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be used to offset medical expenses via Help Hope Live’s Southwest Catastrophic Injury Fund.

#GivingTuesday, now in its seventh year, is a global day of giving always celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season as a follow-up to the major shopping occasions Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More than a single day of charity, #GivingTuesday is now a global movement aimed at uniting the country in philanthropy, service, and volunteering.

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in 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 $135 million to pay patient expenses.

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