As a single mother of three daughters, I am dedicated to providing the best care and support for each of them. My daughter Lanaya, who requires the most attention and specialized care, has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, microcephaly, a seizure disorder, and scoliosis. These conditions severely impact her mobility and overall quality of life, requiring her to use a wheelchair for most activities. Due to the complexity of her needs, our current living situation and transportation options are inadequate, and we urgently need home modifications and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to ensure her safety, comfort, and well-being.
Home Modifications
Our home, as it stands, is not equipped to accommodate Lanaya’s needs. Now that she is getting older and her equipment is getting bigger, the layout and design of the house make it difficult, if not impossible, for her to navigate and participate in daily activities. Here are the specific modifications that we require:
- Bathroom Modifications: The bathroom in our home is one of the most challenging spaces for Lanaya. The narrow doorway prevents her wheelchair from entering, and the standard bathtub and shower are not accessible. We need to widen the bathroom doorway, install a roll-in shower, and add grab bars and a specialized toilet to meet her needs. These modifications would not only make bathing and personal care more manageable but would also give Lanaya a greater sense of independence and dignity.
- Widening Doorways: Many of the doorways and hallways in our home are too narrow for Lanaya’s wheelchair, making it difficult for her to move freely throughout the house. By widening these spaces, Lanaya would have greater mobility, allowing her to be more involved in family activities and reducing the risk of accidents.
- Bedroom Adjustments: Lanaya’s bedroom needs modifications to accommodate her medical equipment and ensure her comfort. This includes lowering counters and shelves, adjusting the bed height, and creating space for her wheelchair to maneuver easily.
Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle
In addition to home modifications, we urgently need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Our current vehicle does not meet Lanaya’s needs, making transportation a constant struggle. Here’s why a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is essential:
- Safe and Convenient Transportation: Transferring Lanaya from her wheelchair to a car seat is challenging and risky. It puts a strain on both Lanaya and me, and increases the chances of injury. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle would allow Lanaya to remain in her wheelchair during transit, ensuring her safety and comfort.
- Access to Medical Care: Lanaya has frequent medical appointments and therapies that are critical to her well-being. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle would make it easier to attend these appointments regularly, without the added stress of struggling with inadequate transportation.
- Increased Independence: Having a wheelchair-accessible vehicle would enable us to participate more fully in community activities, family outings, and social events. This would greatly enhance Lanaya’s quality of life, allowing her to experience more of the world around her.
- Emergency Preparedness: In case of emergencies, having a vehicle that can accommodate Lanaya’s wheelchair is crucial. It would allow us to respond quickly and ensure that she receives the necessary care without delay.
Conclusion
As a single mother, I strive to provide the best possible care for Lanaya and her sisters. However, the challenges of caring for a child with such complex medical needs are immense. The home modifications and wheelchair-accessible vehicle are not luxuries; they are necessities that would greatly improve Lanaya’s quality of life and ensure her safety and comfort. Your support in helping us achieve these goals would make an immeasurable difference in our lives, giving Lanaya the opportunity to live more independently and with greater dignity. Thank you for considering our situation and for any assistance you can provide.
Zelle/PayPal email: nene901@yahoo.com
Venmo email: nlwf@att.net